DISABLED drivers in Haringey could be penalised under a new parking scheme proposed by Haringey Council. The executive wants to charge £2 for the blue badges that enable drivers to use designated parking bays. But companion badges, which are specifically

DISABLED drivers in Haringey could be penalised under a new parking scheme proposed by Haringey Council.

The executive wants to charge £2 for the blue badges that enable drivers to use designated parking bays.

But companion badges, which are specifically issued to one car and were introduced to stop the theft of blue badges, will cost £20.

Disabled driver Rosie Lawy said: "It's outrageous and they are just trying to make a quick buck out of us. The council is obviously not disabled-friendly.

"They introduced the companion badges as a favour because the other ones were being stolen - it's not our fault if there's high crime in Haringey, and we definitely shouldn't have to pay for the scheme."

The move is part of a shake-up of the parking system to raise nearly £600,000 in revenue.

And Haringey is also following in the green footsteps of Camden Council, which agreed this week to raise the cost of residential permits for gas-guzzling cars.

Under Haringey's plans, drivers of vehicles with high CO2 emissions could pay up to £90 a year for their permits, but eco-friendly models would pay just £15.

In Camden the cheapest permits will be £70 and the most expensive £145.

Environment boss Cllr Brian Haley said: "We firmly believe it is right that we should actively tackle global warming at a local level and if this new charging policy makes residents think twice before purchasing a 4x4 or a second vehicle for their household, then it will have served its purpose.

"The cost of monitoring and coordinating the blue badge scheme is increasing, partly because of an increase in thefts and abuse of badges.

"We are proposing to carry out a review to ensure that disabled bays are being used by the original applicants and to introduce an independent doctor's assessment panel for blue badge applications.