MORE than 750 people have signed a petition expressing outrage at Craven District Council’s plans to charge blue badge holders in Skipton's municipal car parks.

They claim the move breaches the Equality Act as it fails to take into account the special needs of disabled people.

The petition - spearheaded by the Skipton, Craven and Keighley branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society - was handed over to the council by blue badge holder Muriel O’Dwyer and branch members Michael O’Dwyer, David Kirkham and Wendy Witten.

Mr Kirkham, who is branch president, said: “Blue badge permits can be a lifeline to someone who relies on their car."

And Mrs Witten, branch secretary, added: “Craven District Council is not following the Equality Act. Blue badge holders are severely disabled people and need more time to get around. They need to park close to their destination, in a safe place and away from the hazards of passing traffic or busy pedestrians.”

The society is particularly unhappy about the Pop and Shop scheme in the High Street car park where motorists pay 20p to park for 30 minutes,

“By not allowing extra time for blue badge holders, Pop and Shop discriminates against them and blatantly contravenes the Equality Act," said Mrs Witten.

The council has proposed allowing one hour’s grace for each paid-for stay.

Mrs O’Dwyer, of Silsden, said: “The one hour’s grace is nowhere near enough to compensate for the extra time I need.

"With help, it can take between 12 and 15 minutes just to get out of the car with my wheelchair and another 12 minutes or more to get back in – longer if the weather has turned bad or it’s getting dark. Add to that the time to pay and return to the car and then leave the car park and most of the free time would be gone.

“It’s a pity that CDC is choosing to disregard Equality Act duties. Instead they are shunning severely disabled people, showing scant regard for their rights and failing to tackle discrimination. They are adding to life’s burdens and making Skipton an unwelcoming place for disabled people.”

Hazel Smith, the council's assets and project manager, said: “Members approved introducing charges to blue badge holders subject to the formal parking order being approved. We have a duty to consult on the changes before it is approved by NYCC as the highways authority. The consultation ended on November 21 and we are currently looking at the results.

"We did ask the MS society and other disability groups to feedback their views.

"We have also conducted an Equality Impact Assessment about the change in policy and the impact this would have on disabled users. Part of our duties under the Equality Act is to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people when introducing policy changes which is why we have proposed introducing an extra hour's free parking for all blue badge holders paying to park in our car parks.

"This would also include anyone using the Pop and Shop scheme. Blue badge holders would be able to park there for one-and-a-half hours for 20p rather than just half an hour. We are also investigating alternative ways to pay to save disabled users having to use the parking machines which we recognise can be difficult in some cases. ”

For more about the campaign, email ms.skiptoncraven@btinternet.com or call 07539 527051.