John Paine, secretary of the National Pensioners Convention in Oxfordshire, has written a letter explaining why blue badge holders can not at the moment be exempted from fines for travelling through Oxford's new bus gates.

It is good to read (Oxford Mail, August 5) that Oxford city councillor Chris Snowden is urging his Libdem colleagues on Oxfordshire County Council to exempt blue badge holders from LTN camera fines. 

The flaw in his argument is that the proposed cameras work on APNR recognising the vehicle number plate, but the blue badge holder is a person who may not have a vehicle with a number plate.

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That is the reason why Councillor Andrew Gant cannot give exemption to people with mobility problems who possess a blue badge. 

However, it is deplorable that they, and other older people, will also be caught by the proposed ‘bus gate’ cameras which Councillor Gant wants to install at key main roads in the city.

Oxford Mail:

We have previously commented, to Councillor Gant and others, that many older people have mobility problems which make it difficult for them to leave their homes. 

They are forced to rely on relatives and friends with cars to take them to essential places for health care, shopping and for social activities. 

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When they live in LTN areas they already face extra problems from home deliveries, carers and family, having to make costly detours to get to them.

This paper has reported many stories and views about the disruption caused by the LTNs in Oxford. 

Oxford Mail:

The government no longer supports that traffic-calming concept, and there are other options.

Instead of postponing the bus gate cameras installation until late 2024 it is possible for Councillor Gant and his colleagues to explore other possibilities. 

After all, they now propose so many vehicles being exempt and passing the bus gate cameras that one of the few remaining groups excluded are elderly people with mobility problems!

John Paine
National Pensioners Convention, Oxfordshire

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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