PARKING charges for blue badge holders have been branded a 'tax on the sick and disabled'.

From May 1, all hospitals in the region will charge disabled people the same to park as anyone else.

The new Blue Badge charging system, introduced by East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, will apply at Burnley General Teaching Hospital, Pendle Community Hospital, Clitheroe Community Hospital, Accrington Victoria Community Hospital and Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.

But many people have taken to the social media to attack the charges, with some suggesting the income will help pay for Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital's new 500-space car park.

Ellen Mitton Darlington said on the trust's Facebook page: "Charging blue badge holders? Here is an idea for taxing the sick and disabled. At the foot of each bed place a meter. Only £1 a minute to use bed space. Is this world completely mad?"

Brian Todd said on Lancashire Telegraph's website: "I object to the hospital trust choosing to charge disabled drivers.

"The government has been reducing the support for disabled people in the last FIVE years and this is another blow to people generally on a relatively low income who probably need to attend hospital clinics more often than non-disabled drivers."

But not all readers agreed, with some supporting the charges as a way to ensure fairness.

A reader, who called themselves Sarsaparilla Drop, said on Lancashire Telegraph's website: "Disabled people require spaces close to facilities, that I have no problem with.

"Why though should they be entitled to free parking?

"Not all Blue Badge holders are short of money, many still work and many have the badge to transport lesser abled relatives to appointments and many of those frequently use the badge themselves."

Rover since 1947 said: "I have a blue badge and it is right that convenient priority spaces are available.

"However, I don't see any reason why it should be free when able bodied people have to pay, and both groups may have the same economic situations."

Trust bosses say any extra cash from Blue Badge parking charges will be reinvested to improve patient care.

Visitors will be charged £1.90 for up to three hours and £3.50 for between eight and 24 hours.

ELHT divisional general manager for estates and facilities James Maguire said: “The decision to implement this change was not taken lightly and means that, from May 1, all patients and visitors – including Blue Badge holders - will pay the same rate."