Baywatch comes to Herefordshire!

Why have a Baywatch Campaign?

Many disabled people have told us that disabled parking bays are used by non-Badge holders, or by someone who has borrowed a friend's or relative's Blue Badge so that they can park easily and without paying.

Some Badge holders have also told us that they have sometimes been verbally abused when parking in a disabled bay if they don't fit the stereotype of a "disabled person". This is because many people don't realise that you can't always tell when someone is disabled. Some people also don't realise that you don't need to drive or have a car to have a Blue Badge - in fact children can be Blue Badge holders too.

Disabled parking bays are an important facility, helping to improve the quality of Blue Badge holders' lives. Parking is already difficult in some parts of Herefordshire, making it particularly important that allocated bays are kept free for those who need them most.

What you can do to help

• Contact the Equality, Human Rights and Partnership Team (details below) to request a free car sticker, posters or flyers
• Don't park in disabled bays unless you're entitled to do so
• Don't allow your Blue Badge to be used by other people
• Don't make assumptions about what disabled people look like
• If you're confident enough, politely challenge people who you see park in a disabled bay without a Blue Badge (but only if you feel safe doing so)

How to contact us

You can contact the Equality, Human Rights and Partnership Team by calling 01432 260216, e-mailing diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk, or by post at PO Box 4, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0XH.