Karl Davies is meeting the government transport officials

Karl Davies commutes from Luton, in Bedfordshire, to London Docklands in a specially-adapted car.

But as Thalidomide victims are not eligible for blue badges issued to disabled people for parking, he has to pay the �5 charge.

Until now he has driven to work every day but told the BBC he could not afford the fee.

Mr Davies' case has appalled the St Neots-based Thalidomide Trust.

'Public transport hazardous'

The trust believes it is absurd and has called on the government to rethink its blue badge policy.

Mr Davies told the BBC: "It is much more practical and safer for me to drive to work in London because public transport is just so difficult and hazardous.

"Going down an escalator, for instance, I could be knocked and I can't hold on to the hand rail."

A Department of Transport spokesman said: "In light of the potential transport and parking difficulties Mr Davies and others with thalidomide may face, officials have agreed to meet Mr Davies and the Thalidomide Children's Trust to discuss the matter further."