West End Parking?

Have you tried any of the parking apps? Some of them have spaces at the weekend in spaces that get used in the week. I've used them in other places and been able to park for as little as £3 for a few hours. Bit more in London probably - also don't forget depending on what kind of car you drive you might have to pay the car charge - most electric cars are exempt.

Surely you can use your blue badge for parking? We've done it (pre-covid) a number of time with no problems. Generally we've found a blue badge bay or single yellow lines.

Here's Westminsters Blue badge rules - be aware they have a white badge scheme for residents which has different rules

www.westminster.gov.uk/parking/disabled-parking/where-you-can-park-disabled-badge

There was an app which if I remember was called parkright and it was connected up into little sensors in the road telling you exactly how many on street parking bays were avaliable along with the cost to park there. I had the app on my old phone but can't find the app to download it again, maybe it no longer exists or it has a new name. It was very useful app if you need it but I think I only used it once which is why I've not reinstalled it. I used it on, I think, Christmas Eve a few years ago when I was watching a show and driving straight to my parents afterwards.

I think your wife is being unfair to herself. My wife is a part time wheelchair user. If she thinks she will walk then we like to park as close as possible (obviously). However if we are using the chair then parking further away is not a problem as pushing it is quite easy. Although I hear Soho has got harder for wheelchair users because of the relaxation of rules about cafe tables on the pavement.

I think a Blue Badge holder is a Blue Badge holder. My wife has an invisible disability - in fact, as an ex ballet dancer, she looks very physically able consequently she's had to get used to dirty looks when she uses disabled facilities particularly as she is severely disabled. If your wife is eligible for a space then she should not feel guilty about using it.

Single yellow lines are the way to go for you. Unlimited parking on a Sunday and 4 hours on other days. We haven't been since the pandemic and I know some authorities have changed their road signage but there are certainly single yellow lines off Regent Street and around Covent Garden. I'm not sure about the centre of Soho though.

I use the JustPark app - it will search for spaces near your required destination and offers significant discounts on standard pricing in London's car parks. Example: 1pm to 5pm Sunday, £12 in Bloomsbury Square Car Park - may be too far away for you at 6 mins walk, but check it out, there are other options.