Disabled to face parking charges

Disabled people who were formerly exempt from paying car parking charges at Bath's city centre facilities are to be charged from March.

The move is part of the introduction of a pay-on-foot parking system at Avon Street and Charlotte Street car parks.

This will require drivers to pay for their parking on return not on arrival.

Previously Blue Badge holders had been exempt from parking charges as the former pay machines did not conform to Disabled Driver Association standards.

'Credit cards'

A spokesman said the new system would remove the possibility of receiving a penalty charge notice for failing to display a valid parking ticket or over-staying at the car park.

"New pay stations are to be installed at both car parks which will allow payment to be made via coins and notes as well as debit and credit cards," he said.

"The machines will give change and will be equipped with their own shelters to protect car park users during bad weather."

Councillor Sir Elgar Jenkins, added: "This improved facility demonstrates Bath & North East Somerset Council's ongoing commitment to improving customer service."