WAVERLEY Borough Council has suspended its controversial new disabled parking charges following widespread criticism.

The council implemented new charges for Blue Badge holders in the borough’s car parks on Monday, April 3, removing the three-hours free parking provision previously enjoyed by disabled drivers and passengers.

Under the changes, Blue Badge holders on income-related benefits can still apply to the council for a free Waverley Disabled Parking Permit.

However, the move has proved controversial and to-date more than 300 people have signed an online petition calling on the council to reverse its decision.

Responding in a statement on the council’s website, Graeme Clark, Waverley’s strategic director of finance and resources, said the council stands by its decision to charge for disabled parking but has suspended the charges to review accessibility concerns.

He said: “We have listened to feedback from residents and community groups on the council’s decision to charge for disabled parking.

“We understand there have been concerns about the accessibility of the payment machines. To address this we have included additional benefits in the criteria for our permit scheme, including higher rate disability payments, to assist those who have significantly restricted physical mobility.

“We stand by our decision to charge for disabled parking however, in light of residents’ concerns, we will now revisit our equality impact assessment in relation to accessibility aspects, and work with members of the disabled community, to identify any further measures we can take.

“While the review is ongoing we will not be enforcing disabled parking charges until any works identified are completed.”

It comes just days after Godalming resident Amanda Clegg launched a petition calling on the council to reverse its decision.

The petition states: “We, the undersigned, request that Waverley Borough Council rescind its changes to parking charges for disabled people.

“They discriminate unfairly against our most vulnerable citizens most of whom have limited incomes due to their disabilities.

“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.

“The charges for disabled bays will lead to more disabled parking on yellow lines - whilst legal (provided there is no obstruction caused) this is likely to put further pressure on our overcrowded roads.

“There has been no move to make ticket machines safely accessible to wheelchair users or those with walking frames - eg, machines in Crown Court Godalming are all up a kerb, bar one at the furthest point: Haslemere has all the machines on a steep slope above the disabled parking area, difficult and very unsafe for a disabled person to negotiate.

“The suggestion that wheelchair users can purchase tickets using RingGoo is unfair - RingGo costs a further 40p 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?”

The changes are expected to generate £75,000 extra income for the council per annum, and come as part of Waverley's attempts to replace reductions to its central Government funding.

The petition can be found, and signed, online at www.change.org/p/waverley-borough-council-help-vulnerable-disabled-get-a-fair-deal-from-waverley-carparks.

For a list of the additional benefits which will be accepted to qualify for a free Waverley parking permit, visit the website http://www.waverley.gov.uk/news/article/258/disabled_parking_charge_enforcement_suspended_while_accessibility_concerns_reviewed.