Man City claim disabled parking charges were a trial to boost occupancy – as club moves to refundable scheme in bid to alleviate fan concerns

Manchester City have moved to a refundable deposit scheme for disabled car parking that alleviates fears of match-going fans being forced into extra costs spiralling into the hundreds this season.

Disabled supporters were incensed that the Premier League champions had brought in a £6 charge to reserve a spot outside the Etihad Stadium for matches.

A crowdfunding campaign had been launched to raise funds and has now reached almost £2,500 – more than City would have recouped from the parking charges on a single matchday.

City have been attempting to tackle an issue of occupancy of disabled spaces, with studies suggesting under 50 per cent of free reserved spaces in recent seasons have been used.

They say the introduction of a fee for last month’s victory over Ipswich Town saw occupancy rise to around 90 per cent.

Nearly £2,500 has been raised by supporters to help disabled fans to recoup charges

City have now stated that Ipswich was a trial to ascertain whether a fee worked in making sure the places were filled on a matchday and that they planned to implement a deposit scheme if it proved successful.

Fans will pay £6 to secure a spot ahead of the clash with Brentford and then be refunded should they utilise their space for the game. City will keep the fee from those who do not use it, saying any funds will go to their community projects.

The Football Supporters’ Association and a wide range of City fan groups had condemned what was labelled a ‘disability tax’. The club’s former disabled supporters’ representative, Mark Todd, claimed that ‘those responsible at City should hang their heads in shame’.