DISABLED drivers have welcomed new measures to restrict the amount of time they can park in council-run car parks.

New rules, introduced by Basildon Council, mean disabled drivers can only use specialised bays for up to three hours.

Before, there was no time limit, so blue badge holders could park for as long as they liked.

However, following pressure from disabled drivers, new restrictions already apply at the car park behind the Towngate Theatre and Basildon Centre, and will be rolled out across all council car parks in the district.

Stephen Hillier, Tory cabinet member for the environment, said: "This issue was raised with us by some disabled drivers.

"They were having trouble finding spaces in the car park behind the Basildon Centre. Other blue badge holders were parking there for prolonged periods, and because there is only a limited number of spaces, not everyone was able to park.

"The three-hour limit will make parking much fairer.

"It gives ample time to visit the town centre without preventing other drivers from using the car park."

Disabled driver Joe Morgan, 80, of Durrington Close, Vange, who has angina, welcomed the move.

He said: "I often use the car park behind the theatre and it is hard to get a space.

"The problem is some people do just take up the space all day, but I don't think there is the need.

"Three hours is quite a long while, so this makes sense.

"Even though I go slower than most people, I think it is long enough and is fairer on everyone."