AFTER reading recent articles about parking issues raised by Councillor Peter Freitag, I must point out that I would expect the first actions of any disabled drivers' action group would be to support the local authority and encourage it to clamp down on the abuse of Blue Badge parking and misuse of these parking bays.

Anyone who thinks that encroaching on to the hatched transfer area can be justified has never needed to use one, or experienced what it is like to try and access your vehicle when somebody else is creating this problem.

On several occasions I have parked correctly in a bay and used the transfer area to get into my wheelchair. On returning to my car I have found the neighbouring car encroached in the transfer area just by a few inches, but enough to prevent me from gaining access to my car.

This is also relevant for any disabled person who needs to have a car door fully open.

If Darlington Borough Council did not impose fines on people who park partially or fully on a transfer zone, then it would be lacking in its duties and create a standard that would be detrimental to disabled people who rely on these transfer zones. - Gordon Pybus, chairman, Darlington Association on Disability.

FOOTBALL PARKING IN reply to Hugh Pender, who said match-day parking restrictions near Darlington FC's ground were not necessary (HAS, Page 11, Jan 19), I would like to know if he is a car owner.

If so, how would he like it if his drive was blocked on match days and could not get his car off ?

How would he feel?

And why should we lose the parking restrictions? Does Mr Pender live near the stadium like I do? Or does he live on another side of Darlington?

Every home game we have to keep a check on the cars parked where I live. As for these wardens, I've only seen them seven or eight times booking cars. No wonder the council is losing money. - Stephen Beaton, Darlington.

CEMETERY PARKING AS I visit West Cemetery, Darlington, quite often I have become aware of the lack of car parking facilities.

There is only one car park, and this soon fills up, causing car drivers to park anywhere and on some occasions to double park.

How the drivers of the hearses get through to the crematorium without scratching the bodywork is a miracle.

So how about it Darlington borough councillors? Let's have another car park, please. The one we have is inadequate, especially at public holidays, weekends and when there is a large funeral cortege. - Beryl Plant, Darlington.