Oxford blue badge spat as claims made of 'discrimination'

Oxford resident Memz Baron took to social media to express disapproval at an Oxfordshire County Council proposal to end Blue Badge holder vehicle discounts for disabled people to the Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) scheme on July 31, 2025.

The council says it will review the policy in December to decide if the exemption period should be extended.

Are you disabled and poor in Oxford? You are perfect target for money making schema to boost finances of @OxfordshireCC. Disgusting utter discriminatory ignorant administration shame on you @LibDemsOxon.
Vote @Ind_Ox_Alliance pic.twitter.com/pQb8zcLLyc

— Memz Baron (@memzbaron) April 7, 2024

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The ZEZ would charge drivers of all non-zero emission vehicles using certain roads with the aim of improving air quality, unless they are exempt.

Objector Memz said: "It should go without saying that Blue Badge holders should have an exemption through the ZEZ expansion.

Traffic in Botley Road. (Image: Oxford Mail.)

"That the Lib Dems are suggesting a rethink on this shows their lack of understanding and frankly their disrespect for disabled people."

The comments come in response to a public post by Liberal Democrat Neil Fawcett, cabinet member for community and corporate services, who said: "If you are disabled and poor you are unlikely to have a car."

Council candidates for the Independent Oxford Alliance Party also took to social media to share their thoughts on the comments.

Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed the ZEZ Pilot was introduced in February 2022, having been approved by the previous administration in March 2021.

A spokesman added: "The approved scheme included a discount end date of July 2025 for the blue badge holder discount, but also included a commitment to review the end date by the end of 2024.

"In September and October 2023, the council consulted on changes to the ZEZ Pilot, including a proposal to remove the end date for the blue badge holder discount (which would mean blue badge holders would benefit from a 100 per cent ZEZ discount indefinitely).

"A decision has yet to be made but is expected before the end of 2024."

Mr Fawcett clarified his controversial comment had been made in reference to the suggestion poor and disabled people were being specifically targeted by the council.

Neil Fawcett. (Image: Oxford Mail.)

He added: "The point I was making there is that only a minority of poor and disabled people actually own cars.

"The argument they were putting is ZEZ is a tax targeted at poor and disabled people.

"If anybody, it is targeted at the people most likely to own cars."

Emily Kerr. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

St Mary's ward Green councillor Emily Kerr said: "My thoughts at this early stage are that it might make sense to consider further exemptions for wheelchair accessible vehicles, given there still appears to be a shortage of electric and hybrid WAVs in the UK market.

"Although I’d expect that to be part of the December review which will look at all elements."