Disabled drivers are not being targeted

NEWCASTLE Lib Dem councillor Greg Stone’s comments that Newcastle City Council is ‘targeting’ disabled drivers over changes to car parking fees ( Journal, November 11) is not only completely erroneous but highly offensive to myself and my colleagues.

The reality is that we are looking at a range of measures to address car use and to improve air quality in Newcastle city centre, where pollution levels are dangerously high and parking is understandably a vital part of the equation. In relation to disabled parking provision and recognising the particular challenges faced by disabled car users, any changes have been introduced only after full consultation with Disability North and other organisations representing the interests of disabled drivers.

This has led to flexibility on parking times and other concessions to meet their travel and shopping requirements.

One of my own priorities would also be the introduction of increased enforcement action to be taken against those who misuse disabled parking bays simply for their own convenience, thereby causing huge inconvenience to drivers and shoppers with mobility problems.

In the years ahead we face significant challenges to bring about changes in our travel and lifestyle habits to address the problems of climate change linked to air pollution but the needs of the those with disabilities will always remain at the forefront of our considerations.

Cllr Rob Higgins, Labour,

Benwell Scotswood, Newcastle City Council