Support to scrap disabled charge

Respondents also called for two hours of free parking for all drivers

A consultation over newly introduced parking charges for disabled people in Bath and North East Somerset found 90% want the charges scrapped.

BaNES Council started charging blue badge holders to park in Keynsham car parks in April bringing it into line with other similar authorities.

The consultation is being organised by Labour MP Dan Norris who has criticised the move as "distasteful and unjust".

So far more than 400 people have been asked for their views on the charges.

Mr Norris said: "A large majority want the council to completely re-think charging policy for all drivers - a measure which would help support trade in a town which is coming to terms with Cadbury's decision to close its Somerdale factory.

"More than half believe parking charges for all drivers should only apply to long-term parking, and that short stays of one or two hours should be free for everyone," he said.

Mr Norris has sent the initial survey findings to Minister for the South West Ben Bradshaw MP, who visited the town in July to find out more about the effect of the new parking charges on disabled people.

Mr Bradshaw said: "It's clear that these charges are having a profound impact on the quality of the lives of many disabled people who simply want to go to the High Street to visit shops, banks, cafes or even the council offices."