Bromley Council approves parking charges for Blue Badge holders despite resident backlash

Bromley Council has approved a plan to charge Blue Badge holders for parking in council-owned car parks, a decision made on November 20. Over 1,400 residents have signed a petition urging the council to reverse this decision, citing concerns about its impact on disabled individuals. Sian Pugh, who started the petition, argues that the charges will make it harder for her daughter, who has chronic pain, to access local services. Critics, including some council members, have called the proposal poorly planned and lacking proper consultation. Council officials stated that an equality impact assessment will be conducted after the decision. The council's transport portfolio holder acknowledged that no other London boroughs charge Blue Badge holders for parking.