Council's Christmas Meanness for Hove's Disabled Drivers

9.02.53am GMT Thu 18th Dec 2003

A decision to stop non-residential disabled parkers using resident's parking bays in Hove should be reviewed, say Liberal Democrat councillors. The Lib Dems have slated the decision as a bout of 'Christmas meanness' from the council.

Last week's Environment Committee agreed to put an end to non-residential disabled parking in the Central Hove parking scheme and officers say that others areas such as Brunswick will also follow. At the moment certain zones allow all disabled badge holders the right to park in a bay, now they must have a special residential permit to do so.

Councillor David Watkins, who represents Brunswick & Adelaide ward said:

"At the moment the right balance has been struck. Disabled drivers have the right to use bays in the centre of Hove and this gives them the opportunity to park as close as possible to where they need to go."

"We aren't talking about huge numbers that are taking large amounts of revenue from the council here. It's just about making the city as accommodating as possible to all users."

Fellow Brunswick & Adelaide Councillor, and Lib Dem Group Leader, Councillor Paul Elgood added:

"This is a classic case of Christmas meanness from the council."

"The council should be doing all it can to assist disabled drivers and we view this as unnecessary. There are of course other routes for parking open to those with a blue badge, however, this was a very simple and straightforward way to assist them."

"When the scheme was introduced a few years ago this was seen as a major concession by the council after many residents who had mobility problems requested this right. It's a shame the council has decided to withdraw it."