I WELCOME the news that Darlington Borough Council car parks have received awards for being both safe and accessible (Echo, Nov 19).

However, I have huge doubts over the accessibility criteria they were supposed to have met under the Disabled Parking Award.

I still suspect I would end up with a parking ticket due to non-payment.

The DPA criteria includes clear signage.

Your picture shows signs too high for those seated either in a car or wheelchair to see; “Easy entry to the car park – it will have an alternative method of entry for people who cannot take tickets or may have difficulty negotiating the entry/exit areas”; “Alternative payment methods will be in place for people who cannot manage payment machines”.

Concessions to blue badge holders should also be in place however this does not stop the award if not given.

Disabled people simply want to do things that others take for granted.

Many of us take much longer to do the same tasks as others, hence the need for concessions.

Susan Bennett, Darlington