MPs have hit out at Lancaster City Council over a public survey asking for views on the future of unlimited free pay-and-display parking for disabled people.
Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Wyre, said she was "stunned and disappointed" while Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said she "couldn't believe it".
Many residents have aired their views too, on Beyond Radio social media, since the public consultation on the future of Blue Badge holder free parking in Lancaster City Council car parks began on Monday.
Blue Badge holders can currently park for an unlimited amount of time for free.
The council has launched a four-week public consultation and is asking people for their views on the following options:
Option 1 – No change, continued unrestricted and free Blue Badge parking in council pay and display car parks
Option 2 – Three hours' free parking for Blue Badge holders, with normal parking charges applying thereafter
Option 3 – Blue Badge holders pay normal parking charges but receive one extra hour of parking free of charge
Option 4 – Removal of the Blue Badge parking concession scheme
A council spokesperson said it is consulting on these options due to its financial issues and some instances of very long-term use of the Blue Badge bays by some users.
An online petition to 'Save free Blue Badge parking in the Lancaster District' has been launched by the local Labour group.
Ms Collinge said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw that the Green-led council might scrap free parking for people with disabilities.
"We can't let this happen, so make your voice heard!
"Disability means people often need more time (and often already have more costs too).
"The Prime Minister Andy Burnham is rolling out free bus travel 24/7 for disabled people from next April - we need to see more positive action like this from our councils, whether they (are) run by Reform or the Green Party.
"Have your say on the City Council's website, and sign our petition."
Cat Smith and Lizzi Collinge
Ms Smith said: "I'm stunned and disappointed that a Green-led authority might scrap free parking for people with disabilities.
"This needs an immediate rethink.
"Free parking represents an understanding that the nature of disability means extra time can often be needed to access shops and services, and also makes Lancaster a more accessible city."
The consultation is for four weeks, finishing on Monday November 9.
Lancaster City Council cabinet is made up of a coalition of Green and Liberal Democrat councillors.
"This consultation is an opportunity for Blue Badge holders, residents, businesses and anyone with an interest in our parking services to have their say on the four options," said Councillor Peter Jackson, Lib Dem cabinet member with responsibility for Lancaster regeneration.
"I would encourage people to take part and share their views before any decisions are considered."
The Blue Badge scheme helps motorists park closer to their destination if they are disabled.
Following the consultation, councillors will decide whether to retain the current arrangements, amend the options under consideration, pursue a different approach, or withdraw any proposed changes.
To take part visit HERE. The deadline for responses is November 9, 2026.
For further information, email bluebadgeconsult@lancaster.gov.uk or write to: Parking Services, Lancaster City Council, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PJ.
Paper copies of the consultation are also available from the town halls in Lancaster and Morecambe.
Read more: Blue Badge holder free parking in Lancaster City Council car parks could be scrapped - Beyond Radio
WHAT YOU SAID
Here is a selection of comments on Beyond Radio's Facebook page
Jeannette: "I invite any councillors to come with me and try and park a wheelchair accessible vehicle and use a car park that isn’t in the free city centre parking areas and then accessing town via dangerous pavements, dropped kerbs and potholes in the road, often being thrown from their wheelchair and then having to negotiate cobbles and hills in Lancaster which is hard enough without having to get a ticket on top."
Tesia: "Surely if the decision is made to make disabled people pay to park then all the pay and display machines will have to be altered to make them accessible for wheelchair users. How much will that cost?"
Marion: "I think accessibility is more important than payment. I think disabled people would be happy to pay a fee if they had to as long as they got good access to where they were going. Some places I’ve visited have the disabled parking places closer to the town centre with good access but they not always free. But changing the rules now will stop many people coming into town and that’s not good anyway."
Craig: "A really good idea if you want to isolate people with disabilities, which genius came up with that idea?"
Nora: "It should be three hours the same as other car parks unless a very good reason why, then the amount of motor homes can't stay for days at a time like they do in the market and over Northumberland Street prom car parks."
Donna: "One way to isolate people and stop people coming into the town! Leave it as it is!"
Joan: "Standard three hours would be adequate as this would deter misuse by motorhomes."
Jackie: "Leave as it is, they only get a couple of hours anyway."
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