New Carmarthenshire parking charges defended
Carmarthenshire chiefs have hit back at claims that new parking charges will penalise disabled drivers in the county.
They have defended plans to equalise charges for Blue Badge holders in Carmarthenshire car parks.
The move is being looked at in a bid to make parking charges fairer for all, including families and those on low income.
Officers say that mobility allowances are provided to help many disabled drivers cover parking charges, and the cost of parking in Carmarthenshire is already low compared with other areas.
The county council has carried out research into parking charges across the country and other councils already charge, or are proposing similar changes.
Staff say the move will also help to raise much needed income to maintain the county’s car parks, and keep them safe and secure, as well as helping to protect other key services during tough financial times.
The proposal will be discussed by the authority’s Executive Board on Monday.
Transport Executive Board Member cllr Philip Hughes said: “We are looking at ways of making car parking charges fairer for all in Carmarthenshire, and have looked at what other authorities are doing.
“Many drivers with disabilities receive a special mobility allowance which is intended to help address their transport costs, and the cost of parking in Carmarthenshire is considerably lower than other areas.
“Families on very low incomes have to pay for car parking and these moves are aimed at equalising parking charges for all.
“Unfortunately scaremongering reports have been released saying that these proposals will lead to disabled drivers being unable to afford to pay to park.
“These reports are totally unfounded and will be alarming to many.
“These measures are aimed at making parking charges the same for everyone. People with disabilities are entitled to mobility allowances and we know that many thousands of pounds are not claimed. We would encourage them to ensure they are receiving all the benefits they should be, and contact us if they need any further advice.”
Head of Transport Trevor Sage said: “Income from car parking charges pays for improvements in car park standards, including signage, surfacing, structural repairs and essential maintenance.
“Like all authorities in Wales the council is facing severe financial pressures and income from car parking charges will also help to protect other key services over the coming years.”
They have defended plans to equalise charges for Blue Badge holders in Carmarthenshire car parks.
The move is being looked at in a bid to make parking charges fairer for all, including families and those on low income.
Officers say that mobility allowances are provided to help many disabled drivers cover parking charges, and the cost of parking in Carmarthenshire is already low compared with other areas.
The county council has carried out research into parking charges across the country and other councils already charge, or are proposing similar changes.
Staff say the move will also help to raise much needed income to maintain the county’s car parks, and keep them safe and secure, as well as helping to protect other key services during tough financial times.
The proposal will be discussed by the authority’s Executive Board on Monday.
Transport Executive Board Member cllr Philip Hughes said: “We are looking at ways of making car parking charges fairer for all in Carmarthenshire, and have looked at what other authorities are doing.
“Many drivers with disabilities receive a special mobility allowance which is intended to help address their transport costs, and the cost of parking in Carmarthenshire is considerably lower than other areas.
“Families on very low incomes have to pay for car parking and these moves are aimed at equalising parking charges for all.
“Unfortunately scaremongering reports have been released saying that these proposals will lead to disabled drivers being unable to afford to pay to park.
“These reports are totally unfounded and will be alarming to many.
“These measures are aimed at making parking charges the same for everyone. People with disabilities are entitled to mobility allowances and we know that many thousands of pounds are not claimed. We would encourage them to ensure they are receiving all the benefits they should be, and contact us if they need any further advice.”
Head of Transport Trevor Sage said: “Income from car parking charges pays for improvements in car park standards, including signage, surfacing, structural repairs and essential maintenance.
“Like all authorities in Wales the council is facing severe financial pressures and income from car parking charges will also help to protect other key services over the coming years.”
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