I've just written to a resident in Moorfield who had complained to the local Liberal Democrat team about abuse of disabled parking bays by non-disabled drivers. In all the recent upheaval about the pay and display consultation, one change that no-one objected to was agreed.

From 1 April this year, disabled parking bays in residential areas of Harlow will be covered by a Traffic Regulation Order. This means the bays will be enforceable, and any vehicle parked in a bay without a blue badge or disabled permit on display is liable to be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Residents will be informed if a bay is covered by the Traffic Regulation Order by means of a sign post next to the bay. I'm also told that blue badge holders in Harlow will be issued a permit rather than having to display their blue badge.