DISABLED drivers could be forced to pay for parking in a bid to save Powys County Council £100,000.

This is the cabinet's preferred option as they put four options forward as part of a consultation on the issue.

Blue badge holders can park all day for free at council owned and operated pay and display car parks.

Councillors say that this is part of their efforts to save £8.5million during the next year - and that the £100,000 this would save would need to be found elsewhere.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This is a very difficult time for the council and difficult decisions have to be made.

“We fully recognise that blue badge holders do have mobility issues and need extra time to park and shop.

“Our preferred option is that a blue badge holder pays towards parking but they will get extra time for free. So, if a blue badge holder pays for two hours, they would actually get three hours parking in total.

“The consultation will close on Monday, July 2. I urge those who are blue badge holders, their family members or anyone else interested in this consultation to make their views known before the closing date.”

The proposals have already been attacked by opposition councillors who say that this is another consultation slipped out over a bank holiday while no-one is looking.

Cllr Peter Roberts, who represents Llandrindod South said: "Another consultation being slipped out around the Bank Holiday Week.

"I have to say I am incredulous that we have a cabinet member trying to drive a key section of our community out of the high street because they cannot afford to park."

Residents will be consulted on a number of options including:

• No concession applies. Blue badge holders pay the same amount as anyone else

• Blue badge holders who park in a disabled bay park for free. Those who cannot find a disabled bay have to pay to park with no additional concession

• Blue badge holders pay towards parking but get an extra hour for free on top of the time chosen.

• Blue badge holders continue to park for free. The £100,000 savings target should be found from somewhere else.

To take part in the consultation visit www.powys.gov.uk/haveyoursay or request and return a paper copy via their local library.