Criticism of "restrictive" planned changes to how Blue Badge holders could use borough council-owned car parks has led to a U-turn.

Gravesham council announced it would be implementing an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system for car parks in Parrock Street, Rathmore Road, Milton Place and Ordnance Road in Gravesend.

Currently drivers pay to park for a certain amount of time when they arrive but under the plans that will be changed so payment will be made when drivers return to the car park.

The option of paying via an online account will also be made available.

A video was released by the council explaining the changes but some people criticised other changes that would impact Blue Badge holders.

Under the original plans for the new system, Blue Badge holders would have had to register their badge to just one car rather than be able to transfer it to other vehicles depending on who is driving. But now the council has changed its mind after taking on board feedback.

Mother Aimee Haines relies on a Blue Badge as her daughter qualifies for one.

Reacting to the original announcement shared in the video, she said: "I feel it's really discriminative not just in my situation where my daughter can't drive but with the elderly or those with carers who don't have as much independence.

"It would be such an inconvenience as it would mean she could only go out in my car. If someone else was wanting to take her out it wouldn't be possible.

"There are so many things I feel they haven't factored."

Aimee made her criticisms in the comment section of the video which, she says, was taken down minutes after making her opinions known.

Gravesham council has since addressed the criticisms and changed its plans.

The council's director of communities Jamie Izzard said: "The original video stated that Blue Badge holders can only register one vehicle to the badge.

"Following feedback from Blue Badge holders, we recognised this process could cause issues by limiting the vehicles that Blue Badge holders can drive or travel in.

"We appreciate that Blue Badge holders may have the use of multiple vehicles either within their household or by travelling with friends and family etc, and have changed our policy to reflect that.

"As the original process of allowing one vehicle per badge is restrictive, this has been changed to allow badge holders to register multiple vehicles.

"There will be no limit on the number of vehicles that can be registered on the account but only one vehicle can be ‘active’. The active vehicle will need to be selected prior to entering the car park.

"We are due to re-release the video, which just references that badge holders can park free of charge still. The video then directs customers to our website for further details."

After hearing of the u-turn, KentOnline went back to Aimee to let her know of the plan and though she welcomed the change she still thought more could be done.

She said: "I understand how they can do it that way.

"The whole point of a Blue Badge is to give independence and freedom to those who need it.

"But it's small victories I suppose and I am glad they have listened."