BLUE badge holders are being asked to give their views on parking in Dorset as part of a move to unify charges across the council area.

Following a consultation with all drivers earlier this year on car parking charges and a proposed new parking permit scheme, blue badge holders are being invited to give their feedback on how parking charges can be improved in Dorset Council owned car parks.

Currently, the car park offer to blue badge holders varies across the council area depending on where holders live or park, ranging from full parking charges in Weymouth and Portland to free parking in Wareham.

Councillors are seeking to unify charges and provide one scheme that is easy to understand and consistent. This will not affect the eligibility criteria for the blue badge scheme.

The council's blue badge holders parking survey is asking residents their views on a number of options including free parking for higher exemption blue badge holders, one extra hour of free parking for blue badge holders when purchasing a pay and display ticket, and free parking for up to three hours for all blue badge holders.

The survey also has questions on what issues are most important to blue badge holders when parking, such as the size of the space, the availability of disabled parking bays, the location of the spaces in relation to local facilities and the accessibility of pay and display machines.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, transport and environment, said: "We have around 25,000 residents who hold blue badges which are a lifeline for people with mobility issues, enabling easier access to local shops and community facilities.

"As part of our parking transformation project we want to introduce and offer for blue badge holders that is consistent, fair and meets users' needs.

"If you hold a blue badge or are a carer for someone who has one, please take the time to participate in the consultation as this will be used to inform our future approach of how holders are charged in our council-run car parks."

The consultation is available online and participants can take part until September 26. To take part, visit bit.ly/3sq3VZR or to request a paper copy, email the Dorset Council parking team at parking@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk