I would like to answer Barry O’Connell, who kindly sent advice to Blue Badge holders in the Gazette.

While I agree unless the disabled person is actually leaving the car, you should not use a disabled bay, and I never have, I find his comments about badge holders “who can walk without a struggle” offensive.

Sometimes I am able to walk without too much of a struggle on my stick, but I need the width of a disabled bay to be able to get in and out of the car.

Maybe Mr O’Connell has even seen me on a good day leaving the car in the disabled bay.

I would like to suggest he should not assume because somebody is not in a wheelchair and can manage to walk a bit without too much of a struggle, that their needs are any less.

Betty May
Jameson Road
Clacton