1. Who owns the John Lewis, Guildhall and Mary Arches Street Car Parks?
Exeter City Council.
2. Are there plans to change the system so Blue Badge Holders can park their vehicles in a Council car park free of charge?
There are no current plans to review charging or exemptions for disabled drivers. Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the Blue Badge scheme however it is the Department for Transport (DfT) who are responsible for the legislation that sets out the framework for the scheme which includes the national concessions available to badge holders. DfT Scheme guidance states the badge is intended for on-street parking only. On-street’ parking meters and pay-and-display machines Badge holders may park or free and for as long as they need to. You must display the Blue Badge. Off-street car parks, such as those provided by shopping centres, hospitals or supermarkets are covered by separate rules.
It should be noted that car parks at Cullompton (St Andrews Road), Salcombe (Bonfire Hill), and Teignmouth (Bitton House) are managed by Devon County Council on behalf of the respective Town Councils.
3. Two Devon Borough Councils state that Blue Badge Holders are entitled to 1 hours free parking. Do Blue Badge Holders need to pay for parking, and receive an extra hour on top of this?
4. Why is it the 3 specific car parks in Exeter are owned by the Council and yet cannot get free car parking for Blue Badge Holders? Isn’t the idea that you make it easier for such individuals with mobility needs?
5. Why are Blue Badge Holders exempt from getting free parking at John Lewis, Guildhall and Mary Arches Street Car Parks?
6. Are there any plans to change this?
In response to questions 3 to 6 above, Devon County Council does not hold this information. We believe the District and Unitary councils in Devon will hold this information.