SENIOR Monmouthshire councillors have “hesitated” over implementing blue badges and want to have a look at that part of its new car parking plan again, its deputy leader has said.

The authority had been accused of sinking to “the lowest of the low” by some campaigners who oppose the charges being enforced.

It had also been warned by Gwent Police that the changes could cause more disruption if blue badge holders tried to avoid the charges by parking on double yellow lines.

Now Cllr Phil Hobson said that he and senior colleagues have “serious reservations” over the plan and want to reconsider it.

Cllr Hobson said: “I have to say, the cabinet has serious reservations about this and wants to have a look at it again.”

He said he and colleagues were aware that people who use blue badges are amongst those suffering “financial hardship” and did not want to increase their burden.

And Cllr Hobson said he was wary of people criticising badge holders if it seemed their claims to have such a badge was illegitimate.

He said: “I think we should always be careful. I've stood in car parks and played secret squirrel and I've seen many of the things you're talking about. But I have to remind myself that what I see is a subjective thing.

“Really, it's down to enforcement and enforcement does their job.”

Residents have until Friday to submit their views on a catalogue of changes, which could see new machines installed across the county council’s car parks.

Ardent opponent to the potential changing of blue badge holders Cllr Sue White said she was “pleased” to hear Cllr Hobson’s decision.

While Cllr John Prosser, who represents the Priory ward in Abergavenny, said: “Looking out our priorities, one of which is protecting vulnerable people, you go further from that [introducing blue badge charges] and in Abergavenny in particularly I’ve had lobbying from the Cair Association, who are totally against the charging. Abergavenny Town Council is against charging for blue badges but the one that really does it for me is where there’s a contribution from the police force.”

Any further recommendations or objections to Monmouthshire council’s proposals should be sent by post to Roger Hoggins, Head of Operations, PO Box 106, Caldicot NP26 9AN or they can be e-mailed to carparking@monmouthshire.gov.uk by April 22.

For more information visit monmouthshire.gov.uk/home/streets-parking-and-transport/parking/car-parks.