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A question for blue badge holders

Hello All

Firstly I'd like to make it clear I am not trying to annoy or upset anyone with this question.

Can anyone tell me why blue badge holders do not have to pay to park in car parks? I completely agree and understand the need to park close to entrances and the need for wider spaces etc but not why the parking fee is exempt.

I also understand the London congestion charge is not payable by BB holders. Again I can't see why.

I appreciate some BB holders have limited income but then so do others.
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Comments

  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 36,502 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Because it's more expensive to be disabled to start with. Others on low income can choose to walk, to use public transport, and generally have more options as to how and when they get around. I can walk into town - it might take me a while, but I'd get there. I'm not on a bus route, there aren't any other options other than a taxi.
    If I had a disability that limited my walking, and didn't have a blue badge I'd likely be housebound. The cost of wheelchair taxis round here is exhorbitant. So I have no choice but to drive/get a lift - car parking costs which I have no choice about are just another financial burden. Hence (I presume) the concession.
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • M00minMama
    M00minMama Posts: 57 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Im not offended that you ask at all. I have to use a specially adapted electric wheelchair so my blue badge goes with me in my wheelchair carrying vehicle. I can't use a bus, train, taxi or other car with my chair. The only other vehicle it fits is an ambulance!

    All car parks in my nearest city charge disabled users the same rate as everyone else. It can be a bit annoying as it takes me longer to do basic tasks in town such as getting to the bank or getting round clothes shops so i have to pay for more time than an ablebodied user but I accept that's how things are. I can always go to the out of town areas which are free to park for everyone.

    This also applies to if I have to travel in London. My illnesses mean I have to make regular trips into London to specialist hospitals and I try to get someone to drive my vehicle for the trip wherever possible as I feel bad about having to use patient transport unless I'm feeling v poorly and need a paramedic with me. Because I don't have alternative transportation options available to me it is fair I don't have to pay te congestion charge.

    within London, many underground stations are inaccessible to the disabled. The overground bus links can also prove impossible when it is busy. For many people with mobility difficulties standing on public transport or at bus stops is impossible. Transport for London recognise these difficulties and have offered the concession to help those with poor mobility travel in London
  • jacques_chirac
    jacques_chirac Posts: 2,825 Forumite
    elsien wrote: »
    Others on low income can choose to walk, to use public transport

    Why do you assume all disabled people are on a low income?
  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 36,502 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I don't.
    I was answering the OP's point.
    jblack wrote: »

    I appreciate some BB holders have limited income but then so do others.
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • dori2o
    dori2o Posts: 8,150 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    edited 17 July 2013 at 7:25PM
    jblack wrote: »
    Hello All

    Firstly I'd like to make it clear I am not trying to annoy or upset anyone with this question.

    Can anyone tell me why blue badge holders do not have to pay to park in car parks? I completely agree and understand the need to park close to entrances and the need for wider spaces etc but not why the parking fee is exempt.

    I also understand the London congestion charge is not payable by BB holders. Again I can't see why.

    I appreciate some BB holders have limited income but then so do others.
    But other probably don't have the additional costs a disabled person has.

    I cannot use public transport due to a number of problems, therefore I have to drive. This is significantly more expensive.

    In order to keep fit enough to stay in work I have to pay for treatment s which the NHS cannot or will not provide, but without these treatments I wouldn't be able to remain in a position where I can work.

    There are many other costs I could mention on top of these, so anything that reduces my other costs, such as free parking, is a bonus and relieves some of the financial pressures we face.
    Not all car parks are free to BB users.

    The only parking which is guaranteed to be free for BB users is on street parking bays.
    [SIZE=-1]To equate judgement and wisdom with occupation is at best . . . insulting.
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  • I thought it was only council car parks that have this concession? I don't think the increasing number of private car parks do this. In my town I can avoid paying in one multi-storey near the main shopping centre, but have to pay in my local hospital car park for instance.

    I agree that I don't need the concession myself for the few times I actually get out, but can't think of a system to means test it that would probably cost more than the insignificant (in total budget terms) amount you'd save. I think there are FAR more gigantic government waste fish to fry.
  • hm71_2
    hm71_2 Posts: 1,980 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    many car parks around here charge blue badge holdersthe same as any other person & tbh the benefit of no congestion charge is greatly outweighed by paying for parking when you get to the recent an empty disabled space in london is as rare as a hens tooth- but having attempted to use public transport in london and struggled greatly as do people with buggies etc its a rock & a hard place.
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  • tomtom256
    tomtom256 Posts: 2,250 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Its down to the local council whether they charge for BB holders or not.

    Most if not all private car parks charge BB holders.
  • jblack_2
    jblack_2 Posts: 1,435 Forumite
    elsien wrote: »
    Because it's more expensive to be disabled to start with. Others on low income can choose to walk, to use public transport, and generally have more options as to how and when they get around. I can walk into town - it might take me a while, but I'd get there. I'm not on a bus route, there aren't any other options other than a taxi.
    If I had a disability that limited my walking, and didn't have a blue badge I'd likely be housebound. The cost of wheelchair taxis round here is exhorbitant. So I have no choice but to drive/get a lift - car parking costs which I have no choice about are just another financial burden. Hence (I presume) the concession.

    With respect that is a very sweeping statement. My Father is disabled (I asked him the question, he didn't know why). His mobility is limited and he has a BB. However, due to the benefits he receives he's able to use the car which he pays approx £50 per month for. No repair or servicing bills, no RFL, no insurance (no parking fees ;)) etc.

    He's actually better of financially than many able bodied people I know.

    Many BB holders are capable of using public transport or walking etc after all you can't always tell just by looking at someone if they're disabled.

    I'm thinking it's probably (as mentioned) a blanket policy for all BB holders as it would be a nightmare to differentiate.
  • Safetyone
    Safetyone Posts: 61 Forumite
    Try living in Wigan Borough ,You pay to park on all council owned parking places.............Good old labour run
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