Published: December 17, 2008
Free disabled car parking could be axed in Burnham-On-Sea

Free disabled parking could be scrapped in Burnham-On-Sea's public car parks under cost-cutting proposals by Sedgemoor District Council.

The cash-strapped council is considering introducing parking fees for disabled motorists, prompting fears that extra vehicles could clog up the town's streets as vehicles park for free elsewhere instead.

A council spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "It is possible that free disabled parking will be withdrawn if the council's Executive gives the idea the go-ahead in January. It is being considered by our Innovation Income Group and a decision will be made next year."

The proposal has been met with concern. Cllr Joe Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: "There is a possibility that disabled drivers will simply park along the town's streets instead, where they can do so for free, causing traffic issues."

The news comes a week after Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report that Sedgemoor District Council had scrapped free weekend car parking during the run-up to Christmas in the town's car parks.

The council has a £1.2m funding shortfall and is making money-saving cutbacks across the district.