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Free Parking for Blue Badges Saved!
2 Jul
Summary
- Parking charges for Blue Badge holders and country parks are scrapped.
- Council reversed plans after two public consultations.
- Decision praised for boosting accessible tourism and local economy.
West Northamptonshire Council has announced it will not implement parking charges for Blue Badge holders or visitors to its country parks. This decision follows a second public consultation, where over 660 individuals shared their views. The council will retain free parking at popular locations, including Hunsbury Hill Country Park and the Racecourse.
Disability campaigner Nick Wilson expressed relief, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to outdoor access. He highlighted that free Blue Badge parking positively impacts accessible tourism, benefiting the local economy and sending a message that disabled people are welcome in Northamptonshire. Previously, the council had reversed similar proposals for Brackley, Towcester, and Daventry after over 3,000 responses.
While country park parking remains free, the council will revise fees at several other sites in Northampton, including Albion Place and St John's multi-storey car parks. These changes, affecting weekend and bank holiday parking at these specific locations, will take effect on August 1. The council leader cited public concerns as the reason for acting on the Blue Badge and country park parking decisions.
