WAVERLEY council chiefs are expected to press ahead with plans to charge disabled Blue Badge holders to park in the borough’s car parks tomorrow (Tuesday0.

The borough council agreed to postpone controversial proposals to remove the three-hours free parking provision enjoyed by disabled drivers, unless they were on income-related benefits, in April amid widespread criticism.

A protest petition calling for Waverley to reverse the “highly discriminatory” proposals has since been signed by 683 objectors.

However, following a limited four-month consultation, a report to be considered by Waverley’s executive committee on September 5 recommends proceeding with the charges.

The report does include a number of concessions, including making free permits available to people on a wider array of benefits and a ‘buy one hour, get one hour free’ offer for Blue Badge holders.

But in a letter to this week’s Herald, chairman of the South West Surrey Disabled Alliance Network, David Beaman, said Waverley has not gone far enough to address the fears of disabled people.

He said: “Our concerns over the difficulties many disabled people will experience in using the payment machines remain.

“While we acknowledge that WBC have recognised that there is an accessibility problem and propose to provide ramps at least one payment machine in each car park at an estimated cost of £16,000, there is no other specific action proposed.”

Tomorrow’s Tuesday’s meeting will take place from 6.45pm at the borough council offices in The Burys, Godalming.