Local residents have spoken out about the proposal to introduce charges against Blue Badge holders in Monmouthshire car parks. Last week the Chronicle reported that Monmouthshire County Council's Economy and Development Select Committee had approved a proposal that Blue Badge holders would have to pay to park in the county car parks, but would receive a concession of an extra hour parking over and above the period paid for. With Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet due to discuss this proposal in September, some residents have made their feelings very clear about this idea, both for and against. Sara Chicken, who works with both CAIR and MAGIC (Monmouthshire All-Ability Group for Inclusive Communities) and has a disabled daughter, argues that this proposal arguing is 'attacking' disabled members of the community. Sarah said, "I feel very sad that the council is even considering charging some of the most vulnerable people within the community to park here. "My daughter Emily is seriously disabled and can't do anything for herself. I feel I need to be her voice and speak out about what the council is considering doing." Sara spoke of her confusion at the decision even being considered by members of Monmouthshire County Council's Special Economy and Development Select Committee on Monday July 14, and feels it is simply adding an extra burden onto already struggling members of society. "I don't understand how people at a meeting can make a judgement like this, without experiencing it first hand," she said. "Parking in the town can be very stressful for someone who is disabled, or those who drive disabled people into the town, and to add extra pressure on them is just appalling." She has also spoken to others in similar situations, and while many don't feel confident putting their name to their comments, Sara has taken on this role to be a voice for those with such fears. Sara said, "I have spoken to several people about this issue, and a lot of them have raised the same concerns. Some have questioned the cost effectiveness of this proposal, with the council being required to have accessible pay-points for all those users in the town. "I have also heard concerns about the towns within Monmouthshire that do not have to pay for parking, so those disabled people will have a much easier time by going there, which can't b good for the town of Abergavenny which has no free and accessible car parks. "It just seems to me that it is almost like picking on disabled people giving them one more hardship to add to their day." But Sara is not the only one speaking out, as Abergavenny resident Brenda Roberts has written to the Chronicle and spoken out about the risks that these charges may put on disabled people who try to seek alternative free parking. Brenda said in her letter, "Blue Badge holders may park on double yellow lines for up to three hours, provided that they do not 'cause an obstruction. I am sure that the majority of disabled people choose to use a safe car park rather than a road side parking place. "However, with a stark choice between paying ever increasing charges or 'taking a chance' with free on road parking, many will opt for the latter. Therefore people with limited mobility and other medical conditions will be getting in and out of parked cars and loading/ unloading wheelchairs and walking aids at the side of busy roads. "The potential for a serious, possibly fatal, road traffic accident is horrifying. Perhaps MCC might consider this aspect of their flawed proposal before calculating how much revenue they will 'rake in' from the sick, the old and disabled." However it has been suggested that some people are not opposed to the payment itself, but simply having accessible spaces. Blue badge holder Hedley Price, argued that the idea of blue badges was not intended for free parking, but simply to have accessible parking for those who need it. Hedley said, "Disability parking badges were not originally issued for free parking in car parks. They were introduced when restrictions on street parking were imposed, allowing people with disabilities to park for a limited time on the double yellow lines for shopping and business purposes. Surely this is still the prime purpose of the badge? "The introduction of parking charges would go some way to curtailing the misuse of badges by people to whom they were not issued. If I have to pay a parking charge I will be happy to do so. All I ask if that there be a viable space to park in so that I do not have to be a contortionist to get in and out of my car." These comments were similarly echoed by Sara, who said many of the people she spoke to were simply opposed to the activity of having to pay each day, and have questioned whether it is possible for the council to offer the option of paying a lump sum at the start of the year and issuing a parking permit to display in vehicles. Sara said, "I have had it raised to me that many people do not have a problem with the actual payment of money, but simply the hassle of having to get out of their car and pay when they arrive. If the council could offer a subsidised one-off annual payment for blue badge holders I do think that the council could easily save a lot of trouble for disabled people." A spokesperson from Monmouthshire County Council has responded to some of these concerns. "These are proposals from the select committee that will go to cabinet for decision in September. The package of proposals includes improving parking facilities for disabled drivers and feedback from the consultation emphasised the importance of disabled parking spaces being in the most convenient position and well-marked, amongst other matters," he said. He stressed that if agreed, no charges for blue badge holders will be introduced until new car park machines have been installed and access approved." He also defended the introduction of the charge, adding, "The charge for up to three hours parking in a short stay car park is £1 so while this is obviously an important change for blue badge holders we believe that what our vibrant towns have to offer the visitor will be of greater relevance than any decision about where to shop." On the subject of annual permits he said, "Pay by phone will be incorporated in some machines and discounted tickets are being offered to all users. These will include discounts for five day, seven day, quarterly, six monthly and annual season tickets." A decision on all of the proposed parking changes will be made in a Cabinet meeting in September.