NOT for the first time I’ve been misquoted as saying something that never passed my lips (Letters, December 1).

What I did say, having taken up the subject from some other writer who did happen to suggest the disabled should pay to park was that a small yearly fee for the badges would cut out the misuse by chancers and cheats who at present are abusing the system.

Having quoted this service as the most abused section of the National Health Service I am now informed by a reliable source that it is not a part of such but a concession by local councils to those in need or with notes from their doctor.

I also stated that I am not a keen supporter of means testing above a person’s actual income (local councils please take note) and that savings from past years should not be included, so if we are talking purely about cash in pockets I see no reason why the disabled, if they are not already on benefit should not pay this small yearly fee for the badge which would then enable them to park free of charge. After all the cost of these badges must come out of taxpayers’ pockets and the savings in parking fees substantial.

I am quite aware that one doesn’t necessarily have to own a car or be able to drive to obtain these badges so the possibility of healthy driver being in possession of them as chauffeurs is apparent.

The number of times I’ve witnessed perfectly healthy people walking away from cars displaying disabled badges is endless.

Of course I’m expecting replies saying their disability is not always apparent so my answer to that is that this concession is supposed to be for those who cannot walk without great difficulty.

Personally I never drive into the town centre for the simple reason I could not afford to pay for parking on a regular basis and I certainly do not begrudge those in need who cannot run for a bus but I won’t have it that all disabled drivers are skint.

L A O’BEE, Southampton.