DISABLED drivers in Great Yarmouth will soon start paying for parking - but should find it easier to find a space. Five per cent of the borough's parking spaces have been designated as disabled following a review of disabled parking provision within the borough in 2005.

DISABLED drivers in Great Yarmouth will soon start paying for parking - but should find it easier to find a space.

Five per cent of the borough's parking spaces have been designated as disabled following a review of disabled parking provision within the borough in 2005. Since then council officers have been pressing ahead with the changes and the council will finally put the scheme into action on August 1.

Head of regeneration and environment Tim Howard admitted the process had taken a long time but stressed the council was keen to get the scheme spot on first time round.

He said: “It's taken a long time but we wanted to make sure all systems were properly in place.”

When undertaking the review Mr Howard said disabled groups in the area had been consulted and that the majority were in favour of it.

The changes mean that disabled people will have to pay the same rate as other users. Previously, Blue Badge holders were entitled to free parking however council car parks did not have designated wider disabled spaces.

The changes have meant an extra 120 wide bay spaces to help wheelchair users get in and out of their vehicles.

Mr Howard added the council would not be slapping tickets on to cars that don't comply immediately.

“We will not be hitting people with tickets straight away. Where we see non compliance we will stick a notice on the car first,” he said.

The disabled parking system in Yarmouth was reviewed by the council in 2005 - with the number of spaces and possible introduction of charges for blue badge holders examined. The review was headed by councillor Graham Plant who said the changes were largely welcomed by disabled groups because the new scheme meant more disabled spaces were on offer.