Disabled drivers must pay to park in Epsom and Ewell

Disabled drivers will have to pay for parking in a Surrey borough from Tuesday.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is to charge blue badge holders for using its car parks.

Disabled drivers paying the minimum tariff will get the final hour of their stay free.

The council is also working towards introducing an advance payment system so disabled drivers do not need to use pay and display machines.

'Worsening environment'

The new charges will come into effect at eight council car parks in Epsom - Ashley Centre, Town Hall, Hope Lodge, Upper High Street, Depot Road, Hook Road, Bourne Hall and Dorset House and the High Street car park in Ewell.

The decision was taken at last month's full council meeting.

Councillor Robert Leach, vice chairman of the strategy and resources committee, said: "The parking charges are one of a range of initiatives the council has introduced this year in order to meet our budget target.

"We face a challenging and worsening financial environment which is likely to persist for a number of years."