Problem of disabled parking needs addressing

Sir, — On Thursday last week the Market Place was thrown into chaos when a disabled blue badge holder parked on double yellow lines opposite the town hall.

A large lorry was unable to pass until the owner returned.

As a blue badge holder, you are allowed to park on double yellow lines for up to three hours but only if you do not cause an obstruction.

There is a major problem with disabled parking in the town which is causing distress for disabled drivers like myself.

Currently there is no time limit on parking in the disabled bays in any of the car parks. This means you can legitimately park for any length of time if you display your blue badge, you are not required to buy a ticket.

This means disabled drivers who live or work in the town can park free of charge all day often blocking out the bay for hours at a time. Because of this, disabled drivers are choosing to park on the double yellow lines running along the square from the Three Tuns to Facy and Pavilion and also opposite the town hall.

I find, if you arrive after 10am, the disabled bays in the car parks are full and I end up driving around waiting for a space. This often results in me parking on yellow lines or giving up and going home. I can’t park in a normal space and I need my car door fully open to exit the car. Pedestrians stepping out between the parked cars in the square is also an accident waiting to happen.

I have contacted councillor Stefan Gawrysiak to see what can be done to improve disabled parking in the town for residents and visitors.

I hope there will be a thorough investigation. — Yours faithfully,

Lisa Drage

Deanfield Avenue, Henley