Parking will once again be free for Blue Badge holders in Wiltshire Council-run car parks, following a decision approved by Full Council this week.
The policy change was confirmed at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday (21 October), after being proposed by Cabinet earlier this month. The matter required full council approval because it relates to the council’s Budget and Policy Framework, which introduced parking charges for Blue Badge holders in 2022.
Since those charges were brought in, Blue Badge users have been required to pay for parking but received an extra hour’s grace period once their ticket expired. That rule will now be removed, restoring free parking across all council-operated car parks.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, welcomed the decision. He said: “Reinstating free parking for Blue Badge holders is a significant step towards making Wiltshire a more inclusive and accessible county.
"There are more than 30,000 Blue Badge holders in Wiltshire, many of whom face mobility challenges or rely on others for transport. This policy recognises the barriers they face and promotes fairness, independence and dignity.”
Cllr Smith added that the change would also provide financial relief for residents on lower incomes, and that updated signage would be installed “as soon as possible.”
The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility issues or visual impairments. To use designated bays, holders must continue to clearly display their badge while parked.
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