Unlimited Blue Badge Parking Could Be Scrapped in South Kesteven
Councillors launch review into three-hour time limit at council car parks
Unlimited free parking for blue badge holders in council-run car parks across South Kesteven could soon be coming to an end.
Councillors on South Kesteven District Council have agreed to launch a consultation on plans to introduce a maximum three-hour free parking limit for blue badge holders at all council pay-and-display car parks.
At present, blue badge holders are able to park for free without any time restriction.
However, councillors say disabled bays in busy areas like Stamford and Grantham are often full, meaning some blue badge holders have to use standard spaces.
The proposed new three-hour limit would apply to any bay and is intended to bring the district in line with policies used by other councils.
Alongside the review, the council will also consider relocating disabled bays to short-stay car parks nearer town centres where practical.
Councillors will assess the impact of any changes after six months and plan to consult with the public before making a final decision.
The proposals come after an independent study of car parks in Grantham, Stamford, Bourne, Market Deeping and Billingborough found many sites were at capacity.
The council is also looking into increasing parking capacity in Stamford and bringing in new time limits at several Bourne sites, hoping to free up spaces for shoppers.