DISABLED drivers in Monmouthshire look set to keep the right to free parking.

A meeting of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) Cabinet tomorrow (Wednesday 6th July) will discuss the car parking order that proposed parking fees for blue badge holders along with changes to short stay car parks.

Among the recommendations in the report are changes to car parking including the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) charging points, but it has been recommend that MCC do not follow through with initial proposals to charge for blue badge holders.

However, all other regulations including the four hour limit for short stay car parks are recommended to go ahead.

The report to MCC, written by Head of Operations Roger Hoggins, states: “The draft order proposes the introduction of charges for blue badge holders.

“The proposal includes mitigation of an extra hour, for example three hours parking for the price of two.

“The consultation highlighted concern about affordability quoting evidence indicating that a larger proportion of disabled people are in poverty than within the general population.

“This was not tested out in the context of those disabled that have use of a car but generally members seemed sympathetic.

“Charging blue badge holders has been introduced in some other local authorities, evidenced in the select committee reports. However it is suggested that the authority does not proceed with charging blue badge holders at this time.”

The report also discusses changes to parking in Chepstow. The draft order proposed alterations to Welsh Street car park, with alterations planned to make it a shortstay car park and to encourage motorists to park for £1 a day at the Drill Hall car park.

However it is recommended in the report that the current charging and management arrangements for the car park in Welsh Street remain.

The report also discusses the introduction of EV charging points in one car park in Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth.

It is hoped by MCC that the changes in car parking will create a net benefit of £36,000, which will go towards the upkeep of car parks in Monmouthshire.