Police clarify blue badge parking scheme in Wells

Motorists are being asked to give consideration to where they park if they are part of the blue badge scheme, following reports of vehicles parked inappropriately in Wells.

People in Wells often raise inconsiderate parking as an issue important to them and on this occasion it has been queried by people with a blue badge confused about where they are entitled to park. 

Motorists parked inconsiderately can be issued with £30 penalty notices or even have their vehicles towed away and police officers are anxious to avoid this by reminding people where they can and cannot park.

The blue badge scheme is for people with severe walking difficulties and with severely impaired sight. It allows people with the badge to park on the street and in some car parks.

Vehicles displaying blue badges have been reported parking in loading bays, on junctions and in turning circles. However, there are restrictions on where blue badges can park including pedestrian crossings including zig-zag lines, school 'keep clear' markings during the hours marked on local signs, bus, tram or cycle lanes and wherever there are double-white lines in the road.

Motorists should also avoid parking where they would cause an inconvenience to pedestrians or other road users including within 10metres of a junction, on bends, brows of hills and bus stops, where it would make the road narrow (such as a traffic island) or wherever the kerb has been lowered.

Spencer Page, beat manager for the city of Wells, said: "The blue badge parking concession is valued by those who have this permit and makes life a lot easier for people with sight and mobility problems. We appreciate how important it is to them and most people will use their common sense when parking.

"Unfortunately a few people do park inconsiderately and this is probably through confusion about where they are entitled to park rather than deliberately ignoring the rules. I would ask people to remind themselves of where they can and can't park and think about their surroundings each time. People should avoid causing obstructions or parking in unsafe places.

"Inconsiderate parking does frustrate people and they let us know how they feel. We are aware of the issue and will deal with these vehicles when they are reported to us. We don't want people to have to pay a fine or have their car towed away – especially at Christmas – so please park sensibly."

For more information on the blue badge scheme visit www.direct.gov.uk