Blue Badge holders who drive a specially adapted vehicle are urged to register their details with the Council so they can continue to park for free in Council car parks where new pay on exit technology is being introduced.

The car parks initially getting this new technology in South East Cornwall are at Millpool in Looe and the main car park in Fowey, with the system also being installed in 12 car parks in eight towns across the county before a further roll-out.

Those with specially adapted vehicles should call 0300 1234 222 to ask for a registration form -  proof of a recognised vehicle adaption and a copy of the Blue Badge must be supplied.

A Cornwall Council spokesperson said: ‘Motorists who drive specially adapted vehicles have not needed to register in the past as our enforcement officers are trained to spot those vehicles.  New technology needed to operate pay on exit car parks means this is no longer possible and, as we want to continue to provide free parking for adapted vehicles, we are asking people to register with us if they will be using them.  Blue Badge holders who drive specially adapted vehicles will still be able to park for free in all our other standard pay and display car parks even if they don’t register.’

Blue Badge holders whose disabled vehicle qualifies for free tax and are already registering every year on the Council’s Disabled Exemption Scheme, won’t have to register twice.  The technology for pay on exit uses vehicle registration details and those who have a valid and current Disabled Exemption permit will be able to continue to park for free in both standard and pay on exit car parks without contacting the Council.

The spokesperson added: ‘While the pay on exit technology provides improved access and allows users to stay longer in town centres, which the public have sought for many years, it will mean that the free hour usually provided in the Council’s car parks for Blue Badge holders, will not be available in the new pay on exit car parks. This is because enforcement officers won’t be patrolling in the pay on exit car parks.

Cabinet portfolio holder for transport, Geoff Brown, said the move to pay on exit would make it easier for customers as well as support local economies.

The pay on exit technology is being rolled out from the end of February with all 12 car parks being changed over by Easter 2019. Motorists are asked to register before Monday February 18.