HC Deb 22 March 1961 vol 637 cc379-80
30. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the hardship caused to the users of invalid carriages who have to use parking meters as a result of being unable to leave their cars outside the parking area because they cannot walk; and if he will take steps to exempt the users of these vehicles from such charges.

Mr. Hay

We have the greatest sympathy with the disabled and have, therefore, provided in all the parking meter orders so far made that the local authority should have power to give an exemption from paying charges. A disabled driver should apply to the council for exemption.

Mr. Awbery

May I take it that the Minister has given instructions to local authorities to exempt cases of this character? I have in mind a man who lost two legs, and when he goes into a parking place he has to pay to park his car there, which is equivalent to charging him for stowing his crutches while he is doing his job. If the Minister has given instructions to the local authorities to exempt these people, I shall be perfectly satisfied.

Mr. Hay

No, Sir; we have not given the local authorities instructions. We have given them power to exempt disabled drivers. It is for the local authority itself to decide whether to give a general exemption to all disabled drivers or to give exemption only to those who apply for exemption and can justify it being given to them. That is the precise position, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will study my answer.

Mr. Awbery

Why not give instructions?

Mr. Dodds

What is the good of the Parliamentary Secretary saying what he has said when he knows only too well what the situation is? I have today had a letter from a constituent of mine who is badly disabled and will have to give up his job in the St. Pancras area because he cannot afford to pay the meter charges there. Ought not Parliament to be doing something in this respect for disabled people?

Mr. Hay

No, Sir; I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. The operation of parking meters under parking meter orders is for the local authorities, for they are the parking meter authorities. We see no reason to give general exemption, but we say that if people can satisfy local authorities that they deserve exemption because they are disabled, that is the correct course to follow.

Mr. Strauss

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether he is aware of any local authority which has refused to give exemption or of any case where there has been any difficulty? If a local authority has refused, might there not be a case for Parliament taking further action?

Mr. Hay

I know of no local authority which has refused to give this exemption to genuine disabled people. There are cases where people claiming to be disabled have applied for exemption and have been refused.

Mr. Dodds

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment, together with the case to which I have just referred.