Parking rate hike at Wembley Stadium may mean less disabled people in attendance

From BBC News:

A wheelchair-user has accused Wembley Stadium's (pictured) car park operator of pricing disabled people out of football after it more than doubled its prices.

Wembley London Ltd has increased the cost of a short stay in its car park off Engineers Way from £12 to £26.50.

But ataxia sufferer Marie Witchell, who cannot use public transport, said she depends on her car to watch football and called the rise "unjustified".

Wembley London Ltd said the charge was in line with other London destinations.

When the private company bought land surrounding the stadium from the FA they were made to agree they would always provide parking facilities for the public.

Ms Witchell wanted to watch Celtic take on the Egyptian team Al Ahley in the new Wembley Cup pre-season competition on 24 July.

The 58-year-old, a former legal secretary forced to give up work after becoming ill, told BBC London: "I went to book disabled parking and found they had increased it by over 100%.

"There is no justification for this. Along with my ticket, this is going to cost over £50 which I can ill afford on my disability allowance."

Ms Witchell, who lives in Chigwell, Essex, continued: "I can't speak properly or walk so I depend on my wheelchair and car.

"The disabled parking was £12 only last week - why such a hike?

Ms Witchell can ill afford the hike - and fears it may price her out of football
"The Tube on the whole doesn't have access for wheelchairs. I, and many like me, rely on our cars to get to places like Wembley - we don't have any choice in the matter."

Her concerns were backed up by disabled charity Radar.

A spokeswoman said: "They need to think about how this will affect their disabled customers who can't hop on the Tube.

"Going to public events like football is vital for everybody, but especially disabled people who can become isolated. It's just not fair."

A spokesman for Wembley London Ltd said: "The stadium was built as a public transport destination and we have invested heavily to ensure it can accommodate the needs of disabled visitors.

"Charges for parking spaces at Wembley have now been standardised for all visitors arriving by car.

"The charges are in line with other London venues such as Earls Court."