South Western Railway have handed over control of parking in Guildford Station Car Park to APCOA and shame on them for the equally sly way in which they have levied charges on disabled parkers. On visiting the station last weekend to meet a visitor, we parked, with my Blue Badge in the disabled bay. There is indeed a sign notifying customers that this is the disabled parking bay and only customers with a Blue Badge can park in the designated bays. There is nothing on the notice that informs you that Blue Badge holders now have to pay the full advertised charge.

The thoroughly deceitful manner in which this charge has been levied is another attack on the disabled in Guildford. Royal Surrey County Hospital were the first to levy charges on Blue Badge holders and now South Western Railways. I am well aware that all Blue Badge holders are not necessarily on a low incomes but many are on pensions and disability benefits. The point of the Blue Badge is to improve mobility and access for disabled persons. The imposition of charges for parking is another attack on the ability of the disabled members of our community to access facilities. If this continues, there seems little point in issuing Blue Badges at all.

Amanda Creese