Organisers of the Paralympic Games have been accused of discriminating against the disabled by making wheelchair users pay up to 41p a minute to book tickets for events.
Those trying to book wheelchair tickets or check their availability can only do so by calling an 0844 number charged at business rate.
Able-bodied people in contrast can buy their tickets for the Games online from organiser Locog without incurring extra costs.
The arrangements have caused outrage among some disabled people who say they have been kept on hold for long periods of time running up large bills before being told there are no seats available.
Many have complained about the situation on blogs and social networks with a Facebook campaign group called "Stop the Olympics from discriminating against wheelchair users!" attracting nearly 700 members.
Wheelchair spectators are also only allowed on person to accompany them According to communications regulator Ofcom, 0844 calls are charged between 1p and 13p per minute for landline customers. Calls from mobile phones are typically charged between 15p and 41p per minute, depending on the network provider.
Wheelchair user Sarah Bard, 32, said she called the hotline from her specially-adapted mobile phone six times and was each time put on hold for up to 15 minutes. She has now given up attempting to buy tickets.
Ms Bard, from Nottingham, said: "It is discriminatory towards the disabled. My able-bodied friends can go online and check availability, see when the latest seats become available and buy them with no added charges.
"Wheelchair users, meanwhile, get left with only one option and that costs us extra money."
People have also criticised Locog's policy that states wheelchair users can only be accompanied by one other person per ticket.
An online petition has been set up by Beth Davis-Hofbauer calling for the rules to be changed and has attracted nearly 40,000 signatures.
The disabled mother-of-two said she wanted to sit with all of her family but was stunned to find out it was not possible.
She said: "It's essential that my husband sits with me as he helps me with things I need to do and clearly my kids can't sit separately.
"Quite apart from these practical considerations, I want to share this special occasion with my family, but I'm being prevented from doing so just because I am in a wheelchair."
On its website, Locog says it has created a ticketing process which is "inclusive and accessible".
A Locog spokeswoman said: "All spectators were able to apply for tickets online for more than a year. From November 2011, we provided a bespoke phone line to ensure customers could discuss their individual accessibility needs.
"We are proud to do more for spectators with accessibility needs than any other sporting event in this country.
"We offer free Games mobility scooters at Games venues, free blue badge parking, and a free companion seat for every wheelchair space.
"We exceeded UK legislation and sports ground guidance for providing more accessible seating and wheelchair positions than any other sports stadium in the country."
