DISABLED drivers told how they are being discriminated against after Southend Council stopped offering free parking in council car parks to blue badge holders living outside the borough.

The authority introduced a new disabled parking policy on Friday, April 1. Its car parks are no longer offer free to blue badge holders using disabled bays - unless they obtained their permit from Southend Council.

The changes have been advertised on ticket machines in the car parks.

Vicky Treadwell, 38, of Barrow Hall Road, Great Wakering, regularly used council-owned car parks when visiting her family members living in Southend.

The 38-year-old said: “It’s so frustrating. There isn’t much to do here and I can’t afford to see my family.

“Because of the limited benefits I get, I cannot afford to pay the parking charges every time I go into Southend. It’s just a nightmare.”

The council insists it is falling in line with other authorities, but Basildon Council allow periods of free parking and Rochford Council gives disabled drivers an extra hour on their tickets.

Sue Latchwell, 59, of Manners Way, Southend, said: “My sister has been a blue badge holder for years but has always got hers from Essex County Council. They’ve told us it’s to make space for residents, but that doesn’t make any sense.

“If she has to pay it will restrict her because she cannot work.

“They have put stickers on the pay and display machines, but why would disabled drivers check that if they didn’t have to pay before? It’s as if they don’t want disabled people to visit the town.”

A Southend Council spokesman said: “We have historically offered free parking in our car parks for all Blue Badge holders. However, we have now decided to change this to be applicable only to those who have their badge issued by Southend Council.

“Blue Badge holders from outside of the borough are still able to park for free in one of our many on-street parking bays.”