Campaigners force talks in parking row

Disabled motorists scored a victory today in their fight to get controversial car parking charges in Shropshire scrapped for blue badge holders.

Campaigners have claimed Shropshire Council could be in breach of new equality legislation for forcing disabled drivers to pay to park in its off-street car parks. Now the council has vowed to consult disability groups.

It made the pledge after some blue badge holders claimed the authority was breaking the law by charging them to use the disabled spaces in their car parks.

Since April, when new ch- arges were introduced acr- oss the county, blue badge holders have been forced to pay to use all the council's car parks. But now some drivers have demanded the fees are scrapped.

The calls came after disability campaigners learned councils in Oldham, Norfolk and Lincolnshire made apparent U-turns when threatened with legal action for alleged breaches of the new Equality Act.

Shropshire Council today said it would consult with those affected to find "the best way forward".