Resident’s Association councillors have thrown out proposals to reduce disabled bay parking in Epsom town centre, despite opposition from Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Labour councillors.

In August 2010 blue badge spaces at the town hall car park off Dulshott Green were increased from nine to 20 spaces including two reserved for staff use.

However since their introduction there have been complaints that spaces have not been used causing frustration for other drivers unable to find a space plus a loss of revenue.

At a council meeting on December 13, the environment committee called for 12 of the bays to be converted to dual use and made available to both blue badge and general users from 4pm to 7am every day.

Speaking at the meeting Liberal Democrat Councillor Julie Morris said: “Supporting this amendment will mean that provision for blue badge holders is still in excess of the minimum guidelines.

“It could mean that short stay users are attracted back into our car park.”

She added: “We cannot afford to have all these blue badge spaces empty day in day out.”

A report by council officers found that on 64 per cent of the 579 check done between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, five spaces or less were in use. However Councillor Neil Dallen defended the council’s previous decision claiming blue badge spaces were needed.

He said: “I have quite often been to the town hall when most of these blue badge spaces have been in use.

“It would be absolutely wrong to take those away and for a blue badge holder not to have a space and have to go elsewhere.”

Councillors voted against the recommendation, submitted by the Liberal Democrats, 25 to 10.

The decision will be reviewed again next year.