A pensioner has issued a warning to disabled drivers about new charges at council-owned car parks.

Tom Hathaway, 81, said he was shocked to discover blue badge holders now had to pay for parking when it had previously been free.

Mr Hathaway said he usually parks in the Manor Road car park in Braintree, which has eight disabled parking bays.

He said: “They have put a little thing on the fence, but what I am worried about is they didn’t put anything in the paper and a lot of people will not realise.

“People are going in and parking there and then going away.”

The grandfather of eight, who visits Braintree regularly with wife Sheila, 67, from their home in Sible Hedingham, said the April 1 change was “unfair.”

The only concession to the rule is the drivers are allowed an extra hour after the ticket expires.

He said: “It’s not really myself I’m worried about, I don’t mind paying.

“But it’s another way to get money for the council. It’s the only place I know where they do it- that is what you have your blue badge for.

“I think it’s totally unfair the way they are going about it. It’s just not on.

“It’s ridiculous to change something and not let the people who are going to be affected by it know.”

A council spokesman said: “In recognition of the changes, blue badge holders parking in the Manor Street car park without paying have not been issued with PCNs but have instead been issued with cards reminding them that they must pay the standard tariff when visiting the car park.

“The ticket machines in our car parks, including Manor Street, are DDA compliant to ensure that all users are able to operate the machines as required.”