Bolton Market car park catches out blue badge holder

Blue Badge holders in Bolton should be aware that displaying a badge does not automatically grant free parking in all areas. Recent incidents have highlighted misunderstandings, particularly at the Ashburner Street car park near Bolton Market.

In October 2024, 57-year-old Blue Badge holder Veronica Cunliffe received a £100 fine after parking at the Ashburner Street car park, despite displaying her badge. She was unaware that this car park, operated by NCP, requires all users, including Blue Badge holders, to pay for parking. Veronica expressed frustration, stating, “I felt penalised for being a disabled person.”

Similarly, in August 2024, 83-year-old Daniel Spencer received multiple fines totaling £170 for parking in the same location without payment, believing his Blue Badge exempted him from charges. He noted, “I have parked on this road on numerous occasions over the years with my badge displayed without any problem or requirement for payment.”

Bolton Council has clarified that while Blue Badge holders can park for free in any pay-and-display on-street parking bay and designated disabled bays in the town centre, this exemption does not apply to all car parks. Specifically, the Ashburner Street car park requires payment from all users, regardless of badge status. NCP, the car park operator, offers multiple payment methods, including cash, card, phone, and app, to accommodate various user needs.

These cases underscore the importance of Blue Badge holders checking parking regulations at each location to avoid unexpected fines. It’s advisable to look for signage indicating payment requirements and to consult local council resources for guidance on parking privileges associated with the Blue Badge scheme.