Blue badge holders are more than responsible

Read Mr Austin's letter here.

The disabled blue badge scheme is a valuable amenity for those in society that need it, and rightly so.

He does, in my opinion, do a disservice to the many blue badge holders who use the scheme with care and responsibility.

They are not amnesiac.

They have special needs, disabilities, but they have their faculties for the many, otherwise they could not drive.

He states that disabled drivers may park on single or double yellow lines.

That there is "no ifs and buts" and the website does not specify where it is illegal to do so.

He is wrong. It took me just 30 seconds!

If he cares to look at the website www.dft.co.uk and specifically to pages 15-20 of the Blue Badge Holders guide, it very clearly gives exceptions to the rules regarding yellow lines.

For example, single or double yellow lines that include a no-loading restriction.

As it says in the guide, "a blue badge is not a licence to park anywhere".

It goes on to describe where, even with a blue badge you may not park.

I am a very strong supporter of the scheme, although I have no need for one, it is a great facility for very many people who need it, but with most things of this nature, it comes with responsibilities to park in such a way as to not cause an obstruction to pedestrians or other road users.

Mr Austin's letter is misleading and implies that there is no restriction.

I suggest he re-reads the guidance given to every blue badge holder, and parks accordingly, in doing so it will achieve the harmony and privileges the scheme always intended to be, but not one that simply permits any parking anywhere, as he so clearly believes.

S Parsons

Goring

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

Write in to Readers' Letters, Worthing Herald series, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA, or email the Herald.

-------------------------------------

Click here for more readers' letters.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]

Click here for the Herald staff directory.

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.