Sir,

I am writing today (Monday) from the dismay of having to struggle to park in some of Tenby’s disabled parking bays. A works van was parked opposite W. H. Smith taking up a disabled parking space.

Parking bays are there for a reason, for people with disabilities of all types. My husband needs his motorised wheelchair to get about and it gives him so much freedom to go around the shops and not rely on someone to push him.

We have a hoist in the back of our vehicle to lift the wheelchair in and out, so we need space behind us to allow me to do that. To be able to transfer safely in and out of his wheelchair, he should be on the pavement side, but because of the angle of the parking bay and the inconsiderate driver of the works van, my husband had to transfer into his chair on the road.

I am sure if these drivers had issues themselves or family members with health problems, they would think twice about taking up a disabled bay. So please don’t - it’s not a free parking bay for you - it is an allocated bay for people who really need it.

It is not just a one-off, it tends to be a regular occurance and employees of Pembrokeshire County Council can be just as guilty as ordinary members of the public, who were the guilty party today.

A very disgruntled and frustrated local