Disabled drivers ' will not pay parking charges'

This is Lancashire
By Ed Chadwick

DISABLED drivers are unlikely to face parking charges after councillors said they would not back plans to hit blue badge holders with fees.
Leaders of Bolton Council's ruling Labour group say they are opposed to proposals mooted in a report by council officers who want to end abuse of the blue badge scheme.
It had been suggested that introducing charges would remove the incentive for a growing number of people who fraudulently use disabled badges to park for free.
The plans were revealed in the Bolton Evening News last week, and attacked by opposition members on the council and disabled drivers.
Following a discussion with officers who recommended the plan, Cllr John Byrne, the council's executive member for the environment, said he and colleagues were opposed to the proposals in principle.
"On a personal level, it's not something I will be offering my support to and I'm confident that I have the full backing of other members in my party," he said.
"The council is carrying out a full review of its parking strategy this year. This was one of a number of proposals put forward but I don't feel it's the right thing to do.
"I still haven't seen the report, but don't support the principle of introducing new charges."
Both Tory and Liberal Democrat councillors attacked the plans when they were unveiled.
Cllr Stuart Lever said the Conservatives were opposed to any increases in parking fees because they risked driving shoppers away from Bolton.
Lib Dem Cllr Roger Hayes said charging blue badge holders was not the correct way to tackle parking cheats.