Mike Treleaven condemns South Hams District Council plans to penalize disabled drivers

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 14th Jan 2004

Recent meetings of the South Hams District Council's committees and full Council have endorsed proposals to charge disabled drivers for up to three hours parking and give them a fourth hour free. In the annual budget setting process increased car parks charges are again being proposed as a suitable way of helping to restore Government underfunding.

Speaking today Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Mike Treleaven, said;

' Another budget setting round and yet again increased car park charges are deemed an acceptable way of making ends meet. To make matters worse, however, this year's proposals include scrapping free parking for the disabled who surely have little enough benefits in life. I can understand the pressures on the Council brought about by years of Government underfunding for the region, but surely we do not have to make life even more difficult for people who have difficulty enough in getting around.. I call upon the Council to think again - our disabled citizens deserve better!'

He continued:

' The Council have to undertake a public consultation exercise before these proposals can be brought into effect and I would urge everyone to write in and register their dismay at what is planned.'