Bromley Council to charge Blue Badge holders for parking in council-owned parks

Bromley Council will begin charging Blue Badge holders to use its car parks, a decision approved last month. Over 1,400 residents have signed a petition against the plan, calling it "cruel" and "discriminatory" towards disabled individuals. Sian Pugh, who started the petition, expressed concerns about the financial burden this would place on families like hers, who rely on Blue Badge access to minimize walking pain. Critics, including some council members, have questioned the lack of consultation before the decision. Despite opposition, council officials defended the plan, stating that the parking fees are minimal compared to the overall costs of car ownership. The council has not yet responded to the petition.