A PROTEST petition calling for Waverley to reverse “highly discriminatory” proposals to charge disabled blue badge holders, has been signed by more than 680 objectors.

There was an outcry when Waverley implemented new charges in the borough’s car parks on April 3 that removed the three-hours free parking provision previously enjoyed by disabled drivers, unless they were on income-related benefits.

After receiving a 390-strong protest petition claiming Waverley had not made its ticket machines safely accessible to wheelchair users or those with walking frames, the borough council agreed to suspend enforcement action “temporarily” and undertake a review.

Waverley is due to report the results of the review at its Executive committee scheduled for September 5.

Keen to keep the pressure up, Godalming objector Amanda Clegg has just launched a further protest petition. It objects the proposals “discriminate unfairly against our most vulnerable citizens most of whom have limited incomes due to their disabilities”.

It continues: “Those living outside the borough cannot apply for a Waverley permit. This not only discriminates against visitors, but also non-Waverley residents, who, due to the borough boundaries, find that their nearest shopping/commercial centre is in Waverley.

“There has been no move as yet to make ticket machines safely accessible to wheelchair users or those with walking frames.

“The suggestion that wheelchair users can purchase tickets using Ringo is unfair - Ringo costs extra on top of the parking charge. The monetary gain for the council is relatively low.

“Why is this money being sought from the pockets of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens?”

Defending the new charges announced in March, a Waverley spokesman said: “Free car parking will continue to be available for drivers with a disability who are on income related benefits, they will need to apply for one of our new permits display the permit in the front windscreen alongside their Blue Badge.

“The aim is to provide free parking for those who need it most.”