Call to Scrap ‘Unfair’ Blue Badge Parking Charges at Letchworth Station
A Blue Badge holder is calling for parking charges at Letchworth train station to be scrapped, describing them as “unfair” and inconsistent with other nearby stations on the Great Northern line.
The disabled woman, who asked not to be named, said she had been fined for parking without paying at Letchworth station — even though other stations, like Hitchin, offer free parking for Blue Badge holders.
“Letchworth is the only station in North Hertfordshire on the Great Northern line that charges disabled drivers to park. We’re being forced to pay £8.50 a day, which is unreasonable compared to other stations where parking is free for Blue Badge holders,” she said.
Disabled Drivers Hit with Penalties
She explained that many disabled commuters have received penalty notices simply for parking at Letchworth, believing the rules were the same as at nearby stations.
“The information online is misleading, and this policy creates a major accessibility issue, unfairly excluding disabled residents from equal access to rail travel,” she added.
“It’s an unnecessary financial burden, and for some, traveling to another station isn’t even possible due to their disabilities. This needs to change.”
Why is Letchworth Different?
The issue arises because Letchworth station’s car park is owned and managed by Network Rail, whereas other stations on the Great Northern line have car parks owned by Great Northern, which do not charge Blue Badge holders.
Network Rail Responds
In response, a Network Rail spokesperson said:
“Offering Blue Badge parking is an important part of our service, and we’re committed to ensuring spaces are in the best possible locations.
“Blue Badge spaces at Letchworth have been chargeable for over a decade, and this is consistent across our managed car parks. All profits are reinvested in the railway.”
“We welcome feedback from passengers and will work with partners to improve how we communicate our policy.”
- Letchworth Station charges Blue Badge holders £8.50/day, unlike nearby stations.
- Calls are growing to end the charges and align Letchworth with other stations to ensure fair access for disabled commuters.