As part of the government’s initiative to build a society that works for people of all abilities, the Blue Badge scheme will extend to people with ‘hidden’ disabilities.
In the biggest revamp of the system since the 1970s, the government will offer accessible parking for people who have difficulty travelling, including those with ‘hidden’ disabilities, such as autism and mental health conditions.
Inclusive travel
Beginning early next year, people with hidden or ‘invisible’ disabilities will become eligible to access the Blue Badge scheme, helping to reduce the obstacles many of these people and their carers face when travelling.
The government wants to make sure people with the greatest need have access to Blue Badges while ensuring the current scheme continues to be workable.
The Blue Badge scheme allows people with physical disabilities to park closer to their destination than other drivers, due to the difficulty they face from using public transport or walking long distances.
In an aim to make the UK transport network inclusive by 2030, the government aims to improve the accessibility of all transport modes across the UK.
These changes come after an eight-week consultation and as part of the government’s drive for more equality between physical and mental health conditions.
At present, people with non-physical disabilities may be eligible for a Blue Badge, but current rules don’t give clear guidelines, leaving eligibility open to interpretation.
A Blue Badge allows drivers or their carers to park close to their destination and is only for on-street parking. Off-street car parks, such as supermarket car parks, hospitals, or car parks provided by the local authority fall under separate rules. The charge for a Blue Badge is £10, and it’s valid for three years.
A lifeline for the disabled
The Department for Transport reports that around three out of four people say they would go out less often if they did not have a Blue Badge, so the extension to the Blue Badge scheme to autistic people and any necessary carers will make a distressing—sometimes impossible—experience of travelling, easier.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said Blue Badges are “a lifeline for disabled people”, giving them the freedom and confidence to get to work and visit friends and that the changes will make sure the scheme extends to people with hidden disabilities so they can “enjoy the freedoms that many of us take for granted.”
The new criteria will increase eligibility of the scheme to people unable to make a journey without risk of serious harm to their health or safety—or that of any other person.
Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society, said the changes to the Blue Badge scheme will “make a massive difference to the lives of many of the 600,000 autistic people in England, and their families.”
She added: “Just leaving the house is a challenge for many autistic people, involving detailed preparation – and sometimes overwhelming anxiety about plans going wrong.” and explained that certain autistic people might not know of the dangers of the road, that the person may become overwhelmed by busy or loud environments, and the possibility of not being able to find a parking space near where you’re going can mean people with autism “can’t contemplate leaving the house at all.”
The scheme will also help people with mental illness or dementia, who can’t embark on a journey without this causing them considerable psychological distress—the person with the badge need not be the driver.
Misuse and judgment
While off-street car park operators should offer parking spaces for disabled people, don’t assume those with a Blue Badge can always park for free. The car park owner to decide this.
The Blue Badge isn’t a licence to park anywhere. Like other road users, badge holders must obey the road rules outlined in the Highway Code. For instance, Blue Badge holders cannot park where a ban on loading or unloading is in place and Central London has areas where the Blue Badge doesn’t apply. If the badge holder or their driver parks anywhere they may cause an obstruction, or are a danger to other road users, they can receive a fine, a Penalty Charge Notice, or have their vehicle removed.
It’s a criminal offence for a Blue Badge holder, or anyone else, to misuse the badge and could cause a £1,000 fine and the badge being confiscated. While the misuse of Blue Badges happens, the person we observe walking back to the supermarket car park—with what appears to be ease—might be a carer, sent to get something the badge holder needed.
What’s also plausible is that the person suffers one of the many ‘hidden’ illnesses, such as Cystic Fibrosis, yet are experiencing a day where they’re able to walk a short distance without obvious difficulty.
Speak to a person with an invisible illness, who has no outward signs of disability or ill health, and it’s unusual if they don’t have at least one experience of being challenged (or even threatened) by a complete stranger, for using disabled facilities—be that a toilet or a parking space.
Disabled parking spaces get used not only by those with a genuine need but also by healthy and able-bodied people who disregard the rules about parking in disabled spaces, just to have a shorter distance to walk—something they may find an expensive move to make.
There are many Blue Badge holders who have concerns about the changes to the scheme who say they already struggle to find an unoccupied disabled space. They’re concerned next year’s changes will make the situation even more difficult. We shall have to see whether places such as supermarkets will react by offering more designated spaces.
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge.
What’s your view on the eligibility of the Blue Badge scheme for people with ‘hidden’ disabilities? Are you aware of someone whose life may be easier after the changes government will make to travel accessibility? Are you concerned about changes to the scheme? Let us know in the comments.
It about these people got thought about
I am a blue badge holder, following on from severe walking difficulties caused by a near fatal stroke 3 years ago. I am also now on a very low income being unable to work for the time being. I feel that it is perfectly reasonable to be expected to pay for car parking as able bodied people do.
Why do any blue badge holders pay for parking in car parks when they can park 3 hours for free on yellow lines usually nearer to where the want or need to be more money than sense or not really need a blue badge using one not belonging to them and do not want it checked by a traffic warden or the police
Even when parking ‘with legal permission’ on yellow lines, it is still possible to be ‘ticketed’ or towed if there is a ‘physical obstruction’ to the flow of traffic.
I have blue badge and I drive while sitting in my wheelchair so need to park where I know I can automatically open rear door, ramp operarate so I can get out of car, in past I have parked in Disabled Bay in on street parking to find usually another blue badge holder has parked so close I cannot open door or ramp so I am sat outside waiting for owner to come back. When asked why they usually say they didn’t see the two labels asking for space to be left or wave their blue badge whilst being aggressive
it will be abused by all who just because they have a scratch on there body will think they have the right to a blue badge
My wife cannot get a blue badge despite having had severe rheumatoid and osteoarthritis for many years. She can still walk 50m, albeit very slowly …. it just seems to me that only people with worse walking capabilities should get a badge – hidden disability or not – should get a badge. Autism in many many cases does not fit into that category, nor do many other hidden disabilities …. so councils should make sure that the rules are applied fairly.
I have breathing disabilities and cannot lift weights. I also have osteoarthritis in both sets of toes, heart problem (minor) and mental hormonal issue. I cannot get a blue badge because I do not receive benefits of any description so, my local authority won’t issue a blue badge.
You do not need to be on Benefits. If your Dr is willing to fill a form in that your LA will issue, then you can still get one. Before I deteriorated many years ago and was not on the usual automatic Benefits, this is what happened with me.
According to my GP practice in a recent letter to all their patients GP have nothing to do with this other than providing some evidence if required
It’s a wast of time getting one wat I have seen theys two menu out they that do not need them driver with or with out them use them so the problem is very difficult to fined a bay
I do not know what you are trying to say. What language is this?
To be pedantic, “what language is THAT”. Perhaps English isn’t Brads 1st language or maybe he has some other difficulty.
‘What language was that’ would be better used.
Also back to the point.
We need less blue badges and only for the really disabled who need the doors wide open. Also, why not save some space by putting 2 bays together with the extra space between every other bay. Drivers would need to decide wether to drive or reverse into a bay to better aid the disabled person?
Why is it necessary to demean someone who has difficulty with writing? I find your comment as offensive as someone using a disabled bay illegally.
Chris: What Brad1 means is that it is a waste of time getting one as so many abuse it which means it is difficult trying to get a bay to park in.
Its already difficult to get a bay to park in as so many of them are taken up by people who do not hold a badge, but find the larger spaces, nearer the doors more convenient….
An old boss of mine (many years ago) used to regularly park his range rover in disabled spaces purely because he didn’t want other people to open their car doors and ‘ding’ his precious car!
After me giving him a 30 minute lecture on use of disabled spaces he actually went away and consulted either the Highway Code or Highways Act (can’t remember which) and he came back to me saying that it’s illegal to abuse the blue badge but that disabled parking bays have NO LAW ATTACHED, they are in fact ONLY Advisory. I have since asked one of my best friends who happens to be a council civil engineer whose job is governed by the Highways Act and he agrees that disabled parking bays are only advisory. So, what I think we really need before giving MORE blue badges out is a law that makes parking in our spaces without a badge illegal.
blue badge sceme is for ON street parking, so unless the bay is located on the street it is not covered by the sceme but can be controlled by local Auth putting in place signs showing restrictions. The blue badge should stay for physical disability only, we need alternative assistance for ‘hidden’ disability.
Some hidden disabilities cause physical problems. Such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, severe asthma or emphasema.
If it is advisory why is there a £40 ‘fine’ in my local supermarket for using a disabled bay even when the disabled spaces are empty and all the normal sort are full? Can we get our money back?
Chris this person may have hidden learning disabilities. Whilst I agree that I found it hard to find all the meaning of that response perhaps rudeness was not the best way to understand it?
Nor me Brad. Are you familiar with the English language?
Brad1. Do you mean it is a waste of time getting one because those who do not need one and perhaps are not disabled park in the disabled bay so it is still difficult to find a space? Because this is true and it takes ages to find these people out and take these badges away. Very frustrating and very wrong,
What about the people that don’t have a Blue Badge parking in disabled parking bays? They should be fined at least £500 if caught!
Paula you are so so so right
I will say no more
I know it is not a continuous ailment, but would this apply to people with gout to be able to use the badge during attacks. When I have an attack, I can barely walk and when I do it is incredibly painful, but I still have to do the shopping. To be able to park nearer the shops would be a big advantage.
Its ok extending the blue badge system , but I see plenty of people abusing the system who use it to park anywhere, yet are quite capable of walking ..
Yes more so youngsters too lazy to walk in the main. Then there are those who don’t think of anyone but themselves. People driving expensive cars and 4 x 4’s who are above any rules. Also mothers with children because the bay is closer to the door, when they have their own spaces.
I had one employer who demanded my badge so she could use it in town. No I never gave it to her and yes I don’t work there anymore.
There needs to be more disabled places. It will not work otherwise
My answer would be to put parent parking further away considering the news is always going on about 1 in 3 children being obese. Perhaps a little walk to the shop would exercise the children whilst freeing up more disabled places – just a thought
Just visit Ipswich station. The short stay parking has more disabled spaces than normal ones.
Malton has 2 disabled and 3 normal short stay parking places – balanced provision??
Here in Devon North the blue badge scheme is open to extreme abuse Drivers park anywhere that suits They don’t give a damn about other traffic trying to negotiate junctions,narrow passing places.IT NEEDS SORTING NOW!! Senior Driver Licence all groups 55 years experience
It seems to me that these badges are given out far too easily, resulting in those who really need parking spaces unable to get one. The photo should be on display, not on the reverse. This new move will only exacerbate an already poor system. I know of several people who have a badge, who are more than capable of getting around.
I don’t think you realise how hard it is to get one. They are not given out easily. Do you need one? Have you applied and been turned down, but still needed one?
“While the misuse of Blue Badges happens, the person we observe walking back to the supermarket car park—with what appears to be ease—might be a carer, sent to get something the badge holder needed.”
This would constitute an offence! If a carer has gone out to get something for a blue badge holder, under no circumstances are they allowed to use the blue badge. It must only be used when the badge holder is present, and is leaving the car for whatever purpose. If the badge holder is staying in the car, the badge should not be used to park in a disabled bay, on-street pay and display areas, or yellow lines!
I disagree. When I go out with my husband he often pops into a shop or chemist to pick up my things. I have difficulty getting in and out of my car and when tired it’s too strenuous. I think if I am with him albeit in the car I should be able to use my blue badge.
That is against the rules of the blue badge scheme. It is not to make life easier for your husband. Blue bsdge should only be used when you are getting out of the car
That is incorrect information Essexgirl. Perhaps you should look at the rules again? You can download a copy from the Government’s website
Or maybe I’m wrong…. but I’m still more worried about the multitudes of new users and the young lads who think already think they are entitled without any disabilities!
If your husband can often ‘pop into a shop or chemist to pick up’ your things while you stay in the car, why do you need to park in a ‘blue badge’ space? An ordinary parking space would be adequate. While your husband is ‘popping into a shop’ people like my husband, who was totally wheelchair-dependant, can’t find a space wide enough to get a wheelchair out of the car.
Whilst it makes it more difficult for you, think of what these new rules are going to mean for you (and the rest of us)! You don’t know what difficulties Pat has, she may need her husband to get back quickly to her for health reasons. Try not to judge without walking in her shoes.
I agree i have health problems and if i decide to stay iin the cacar, what happens if i need the smbulance, im 100% sure they wouldnt get into the car to give help like oxygen..
Pat, this is taken from http://www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk/blue-badge-regulations
** Rights, Responsibilities and Regulations
Information about the Blue Badge scheme.
People who can use a Blue Badge:
Blue Badge permits are for the use and benefit of the holder only.
The Permit must only be displayed if the holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger.
You cannot allow other people to use the Permit to do something on your behalf, unless you accompany them.
>>> Non-disabled people should not be allowed to take advantage of the benefits from the permit while you sit in the car. <<<
Never give your permit to friends or family to allow them to park for free, even if they are visiting you.
Misusing a Blue Badge Permit
It is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse a permit and misusing a blue badge permit could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. There could also be additional penalties related to any parking offence. **
He is not disabled it is u so he should park NOT in a disabled bay as he is not disabled
You are just useing the blue badge for your own purpose to allow him to park where a Dissabled person on their own could park
You are the type of person who makes a mockery of the blue badge scheme that gets true disabled people a very bad name
your selfish attitude beggars belief. If your husband is not disabled he does not need to use nor is he entitled to use a disabled unless you are getting out of the car. If your husband parks in a disabled bay to get things for you while you stay in the car you are potentially depriving a disabled person who is on their own from getting a disabled space that they do need.
If you are in the car then you are present and correct. Alan Bennett is referring to the disabled still being at home and the carer using the blue badge out at the shops, I believe.
Sorry i think I have misinterpreted Mr Alan Bennett… I’ll read further back first lol
No you shouldn’t because if he isn’t disabled. He can walk the extra distance. Meanwhile you may be stopping a disabled person who is going to get out of their car from parking close to where they need to be. If you don’t need to get out of the car it doesn’t matter if you park further away. The badge is for you not an able bodied person who just happens to with you and doesn’t want to walk a bit further. Every step I take is agony and people who hog bays and then don’t get out of their cars really come across as uncaring and selfish.
That is exactly what I was going to say. Blue badges can only be used when the blue badge holder is present and the blue badge holder must leave the car.
I think there should be three categories
A) Those in wheelchair or have severe walking issues
B) Those who have heart or lung conditions which affect their walking assessed as limited walking . This would also cover those who have arthritis that affects walking.
C) Hidden conditions that affect mobility.
The blue badge scheme was designed for those who had severe walking issues, not for disabilities which are not affecting mobility. Therefore a fourth category is required.
D) Orange badges for those who have hidden disabilities but not mobility affected. The colour meaning that the person does not have mobility issues.
Of course, it would be cheaper for the council to issue this category with bus passes for them and carer. They have no mobility issues so would not need to be park ed near as mobility impaired so a disabled bus or train pass might be better.
So they can get reduced travel and have a carer with them.
The government want to be seen as diverse and rightly so but they also need to differentiate between those who have mobility issues and those who have hidden disabilities which seriously affects their ability with regard shopping going out etc.
But it is also necessary to distinguish the level of difficulty the hidden conditions have on the person and whether it has a substantial affect on their out and about to warrant assistance with the scheme.
My wife is blind and cannot walk alone –
Which category does she come in ???
The one that can walk
You’re showing exactly the kind of ignorance that the changes are designed to deal with. Just because something was created for one group, it doesn’t mean another isn’t deserving of the same type of assistance. Try traveling a mile or two in someone else’s shoes before being so judgemental.
Yes lots of this. Nothing new in this tale.i know a family with an autistic child an they get a new mobility car, nice nissan quesqi, plus blue badge. This has been going on for last 8 years. New car every three!
Hi Shed not sure what your point is, but autism is a massively debilitating condition for some people. My son doesn’t qualify for notability, but getting him out of the house without me taking him is really tough and he’s ran away a few times to escape stress. Don’t batter people who need to use the system, unless you think they don’t need the car….!
You are suggesting they are on a nice little scam, New car every three years! They have to pay for the car out of their mobility allowance, which they are receiving. So no new car money in the bank, New car less money. So paid for by them. I bet they would rather have a healthy child, than mobility allowance.
I’m probably wrong – in fact I’m almost certainly wrong 😉 – but I took this to mean that the badge holder was in the supermarket, but had forgotten something, and had sent the carer back to the car to fetch it.
No difference, should still move to vacate the space for another disabled person.
Now I do know that is wrong David Rushbrooke, as the disabled person is still going to return to the car at the end of the visit to the shop.
Join the discussion.to right if the badge holder is not present the driver should park in an ordinary bay
Ordinary bay every time
I read this that the carer, and in our case the driver, has returned to the car to fetch something NOT that disabled person is still in the car, which I have done if my late husband or son forgot something which they needed while out, both Blue Badge holders.
And if the disabled person is in the shop and the carer has gone to get them something essential and personal from the car (perhaps some sanitary item?)… that is when you will see a genuine case of a non-disabled person approaching the car without the disabled person present. But Id rather that than a healthy young adult male who thinks he’s entitled without a badge whatsoever!
i have never read such poppy c**k dont these writers have anything better to do my wife has a blue badge because she is partially sighted and is not allowed to drive and as her carer i have to take her everywhere as we live in a rural area where there isn’t ant transport
Dear Alan B.
The statement means that if you are out in public with the badge holder and the holder has forgotten something from that car that they need, then the driver goes back to the car to get it for them.
Do we extend this to Communist (née Labour) voters given their severe mental deficiency.
What about Daily Mail readers, or Express readers, or Sun readers?
Being a Blue Badge holder myself I still see cases of abuse .My suggestion is that the photo of the holder should be on show to prove that the badge is being used the correctly
Easy to put right, put the photo on both sides.
Who is going to Police the ridiculous situation of the face on display, it is hidden for a good reason there are pages of evidence written on the subject before the decision to not show the photo was made. The Police or parking warden have a right to see it only if they suspect its misuse. While i do agree it is far to easy in some situations to get a blue badge it has tightened up. But the biggest problem is Car park design and enforcement is required to stop people using disabled bays who do not have badges. Finally Wheelchair users are not the only people who need the extra room to get out of a vehicle, in fact in a lot of cases they can move around better than the elderly or infirm,many a person is disabled by joint issues or loss of limb or even mental or Autistic sufferers quite often have to have people help them or even hold them. As the new regs say they are trying to make a fairer system. I however agree that common sense should dictate the use of badges such as a good day for a suffer might mean they have no reason to use a disabled place.
I do not agree. I am a holder of a blue badge. I do not want people to see my picture. Have you seen a passport photo? It’s just the same – everyone looks like a lunatic or mass murderer! lol. However if fairly challenged, to show an entitled person, I will show them when required. I do think having the photo on show may be regarded differently by males, women are much more vulnerable when alone, I think having the picture on show could add to that vulnerability.
This might come as a surprise, but being near the store is only a very small part of why most physically disabled people need a disabled bay. Disabled bay’s are extra wide compared to a normal bay. That’s why they are needed for people like myself as a wheelchair user or someone with a disability that has to swing their legs out and needs the door to be opened fully. If someone needs to be near the store, then they don’t require a disabled bay – they need to be near the store. The normal bay’s are only a very short distance from the disabled ones, for example in supermarkets, and unless you get in one of the first handful of disabled bay’s, you are often nearer the store in a normal bay! Whenever I point this out to most blue badge holders, it comes as a complete revelation. If I, as a wheelchair user, can’t get a disabled bay, I can’t go shopping, because I’ll never get out of my car in a normal bay. Whereas someone with a non physical disability still has that option
Absolutely correct about needing wide bays. Before I had a Blue Badge, or when there are no wide bays available, and parked in a ‘standard’ 2.4m x 4.8m. bay, there have been numerous occasions when I have simply been unable to get back into my car as I have insufficient space to open the car door wide enough. This means standing – painful for me, for perhaps 40 minutes.
These standard bay sizes were perhaps o.k. years ago for Mini’s, Anglia’s, Cortina’s etc., but now almost every new iteration of a model is wider and longer than the car it replaces. Many, many cars are now 1.9m to 2.3m wide and around 5m in length. Thank heavens for Disabled Bays.
I so agree with u Chris, I use a wheelchair to go shopping n the likes s I cannot stand for long, my ms doesn’t allow for me to stand still or stand for longer than a few minutes at a time n the amount of times I’ve not been able to park because able bodes folks have parked in disabled (just for a minute!!!!} but as u, I cannot park in a normal bay as I can’t get in or out of my chair to do whatever it is I need to… there’s more than 1 issue here, the size of parking bays of which I’m sure have gotten smaller, crammin more cars in equals more money for car park owner!!! Then u’ve got those folks who don’t actually appreciate how difficult it is for disabled folks that or they just don’t care n I personally feel it’s the latter, total disregard for disabled people.. something NEEEEEEEDDDDDDDS to change n I don’t think this is the answer, just makes it harder to find a space..
I agree with Chris and Caddi. The other problem is that the required 1.2m ‘hatched’ area on each side of parking place is not always there, or there is a bollard or kerb causing an obstruction. This, obviously, restricts access. This is the fault of the local authority, and needs to be dealt with urgently when reported……. otherwise sanctions should apply.
I believe you can’t see people’s disabilities , I also think that traffic wardens should ask to see the badges to make sure it is being used by the person with the disability And not a family member
I agree that the photo should be on display and not the back leading to family and friends using the badge when they have absolutely no physical need to.Another issue is disability cars awarded to disabled people who cannot drive – where is the sense in that? Much better surely to give them taxi vouchers to use as and when they need to go somewhere, most of us know someone in this category whose family use the car and the disabled person very rarely if at all gets in that car but because the family may do some shopping for the disabled person they feel they are entitled to use the car. I agree It is difficult with some hidden illnesses but as I believe these badges were first brought in to help people physically unable to walk very far then maybe that should still be the criteria and people able to go dancing twice a week or walk their dog around the park obviously do not fit the original criteria. I used to work as a Social Work Assistant and came across many people who had been turned down for the old DLA and would say why has this happened when this person or that person who showed no need for a disability car has one, I couldn’t give them a good reply so used to try to ensure their appeal got through.
From my own experience I had a friend who used to wear such pointy toed shoes she ended up having bunions and operations on them whereupon she continued to wear her pointy toe shoes resulting in her feet swelling and her doctor gave her a blue badge which really incensed me as she had absolutely nothing else wrong with her other than wearing incorrect footwear – and as I don’t believe you should be allowed to cheat the system she’s an ex friend now!
The reason the photo is not on the display side of the badge is quite simple: Imagine a couple of muggers walking along by a row of cars parked in disabled bays. They memorise a couple of faces and stand on the corner waiting. One of the faces they memorised comes into view. The muggers know two things: the disabled person is highly unlikely to be able to defend themselves, and it is highly likely they will not be able to give chase, so they attack the person, steal anything worth stealing, and run!
Easy pickings, yes?
Muggers don’t need to remember faces. Don’t you think they might just recognise the disabled person because of their ataxic gait or they are in a wheelchair, using a walking stick etc.
What a lot of rubbish
That is exactly the reason for the photos being out of sight,i believe the disabled blue cars came out after the war with so many disabled by the horrific injuries received. This led to D.L.A and the new system.The system has always been abused and always will,which is why there is a fraud line and any blue badge infringement reported is investigated . Finally mental and Autistic sufferers can and do have very complex issues making a Blue Badge extremely useful to there carers to go to appointments and have a Social Life. P.S Very few people are given a free car they pay for them out of there benefit.
They ignore here. Thought chip and pin could be used to park and maybe recognition system .
I have walking difficulties and acute asthma and was told I was not eligable as asthma is not on the list of illnesses. And yet someone with mental health issues, able to walk to the shops is. that does not make sense. this to me seems a half hearted attempt to update the system.
I have acute asthma too and ifmt offends me greatly that I can’t get a blue badge. When I an unwell, the winter months being the worse time, I can’t walk far without gasping or needing to sit Dow.. But that snot enough to qualify! Others who can walk their dogs around a park can have a badge. The system is wrong! I may as well go to the doctors and tell him I am mentally unwell. I can have one then under the new rules. Joke!!
Me too. This hot weather has been a killer. Also after shopping, loading to pay, packing. Pushing trolley back to car is such an effort. To be able to park nearer to shops would help so much.
Anyone that gets standard pip mobility can get a badge
Exactly , asthma is a hidden disability which when severe and continual attacks can severely affect mobility and combined with your walking issues your GP should be able to provide a letter so your council can provide a blue badge.
I’m a blue badge holder. “Hidden” as I’ve a chronic pain stemming from my back. Walking exercabates it.
I don’t get/apply for benefits as I’m able to work and don’t see the point in claiming money I don’t need. But it makes it harder to get the badge
But without my blue badge I’d be stuck at home lots of the time.
Councils don’t do enough to set up dedicated spaces. And even when they do they seem out of the way.
Parent parking shouldn’t be nearer the store. I guess they need wider spaces but 20/30 years ago parents managed ok. It’s just laziness.
I agree – having a child is not a disability!
‘Hidden’ disabilities don’t need the Blue Badge if they are physically able to move around.
The Blue Badge is for those who are in physical need of assistance.
I hope you never get disabling breathing problems which are frightening when they happen suddenly as in asthma. Walking, weather, and even carrying a shopping bag can bring on a problem. I agree there are a lot of people out there with badges they do not need. Often having them renewed year after year for a previous condition (hip op ) and no longer necessary.
As a Blue Badge holder for the past 20 years, having progressively deteriorating sight (retinitis pigmentosa), who finds the facility a huge help in getting as near as possible to where I need to go, yet often finds no available designated parking, I have to say I find this extension to those having no physical disability hard to justify.
You say that the “consultation period” has closed….I was not aware that it existed!
The scheme rightly, in my opinion, is designed for those with actual physical disability, which can be objectively monitored, to minimise the distance they need to walk/be pushed from car to their destination.
For it to be extended to those with “mental disability”, whether their mobility is restricted or not, opens the scheme to huge administrative difficulty, and the opportunity for abuse, with the end result that so many will hold Blue Cards that the demand for designated parking spaces will massively exceed the supply, with the end result that, in a short space of time, the scheme will cease to function properly, to the detriment of those of us who actually have great difficulty in negotiating more than very short distances.
This is a very bad plan, which will quickly rebound on the authorities, because it will turn out to be unworkable, and will produce manifest unfairness to current Card-holders.
Michael Clarke (Blue Card holder)
Woking, Surrey
I think the extension is a good thing and fairer too.
I wish you could do more though on illegal usage of blue badge bays as people are getting away with it. Supermarkets, when advised, do absolutely nothing which is very disturbing
This is long overdue. I have crohn’s disease which is invisible but as anyone who suffers from this disease will know has a huge impact on your daily life so this will help people with this disease.
Where does one find a list of ‘acceptable’ hidden disabilities?
For instance, do Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis Patients qualify? When a ’bout’ hits such a person it can be virtually impossible for them to walk any distance to Toilet facilities.
For many years I was the principle carer for my very elderly mother who had Altzimers as well as being very frail. I had to look for double parking places in car parks as she would fling open her door as soon as I stopped, denting other people’s doors. I also had to lift her out of her seat requiring the passenger door to be fully open. It took three years and repeated applications to finally be granted a blue badge!
My wife has a hidden condition and has a blue badge for over 2 yèsrs and so has a friend who also has a badge for the same so this scheme is not new
Photos of the person awarded the badge must be made visible on the front of the badge so that the system can’t be abused. I can’t use a parent and child space if I don’t have her with me.
This needs properly thinking through. Where people *need* the extra space that a disabled space provides, it shouldn’t be taken up by someone more able. Perhaps it needs a 2 level system.
This is not new.My wife has had a blue badge for over 2 years as has others we know for hidden conditions .
The blue badge I accept some need it but over the years I have noticed bad parking where large vehicles can’t get by, that the driver does not have a disability eg he was walking with a limp towards the policeman, his walking stick was a cardboard center of a roll of something similar to a toilet roll cardboard centre only thicker and bigger, he moved his car, the policeman walks off, the man gets out of car and walks away normally hitting his surpposingly bad leg with the cardboard roll, that vehicle was parked there in that spot for 4 hours and he didn’t deny it to the policeman, by the way he was a market trader
Hopefully the cctv could follow him ..did you not take his details?
I had got the policeman to get him nicked but he wouldn’t do it. This was some years ago in Sheffield at the back of the moors, the cop is probably a Chief Super now
under the Disability Act I am classified as disabled, Cancer and long term mental health issues. I do not claim any benefits as I am capable of working.
One of the the cancer side effects is Chronic Lymphodema in both legs, resulting in the need to have the car door open quite wide to make getting in and out easier. I can walk the minimum required distance unaided, though a bit slow at times depending on how bad the lymphodema is.
In summary, I am legally classified as disabled, I would benefit from a wider space yet because I don’t claim benefits end can walk 50m I don’t qualify.
I don’t think tinkering with the currentvsystem will necessarily help all those that would benefit from a badge. I do think that there should be consistency in determining the need for a badge across all areas. If this means centralising the system and taking it out of Local Authority control, then do it.
Certainly more supermarkets are putting notices on their disabled toilets that not all disabilities are visable – noticed it particularly at Morrisons and Tesco which is good because I come under that category. Too many mother and baby parking spaces in supermarkets car parks and not enough
disabled but Morrisons at Lincoln have put disabled spaces nearer their doors which is again good. They also play music at certain hours for people with mental health problems and other similar troubles.
As a retired GP I, like many others, see too much abuse of the Blue Badge, with the result that disabled bays are over-used. Approaching 90 yeas of age, both my wife & I have difficulty walking more than 50 yards – due to heart failure and spinal stenosis. These may be classified as “hidden disabilities”, but I can’t agree that mental illness is generally judged appropriate for a Blue Badge. I agree that the whole disabled badge scheme urgently needs revision; these proposals will just make the scheme much worse.
Reading some of the comments here, it appears that the mentally unwell in our society are not worthy of consideration for a blue badge. I know of a few people who use their Motability vehicle to collect peoples dogs and walk them on a payed basis, and take their friends to the pub using the blue badge to park outside on double yellow lines. in these examples the badge holder is not present.
My wife has emphysema and suffers from mental illness and has done so for many years, she cannot walk more than a few yards but cannot get a blue badge from our local authority.
So when your ready to object to blue badges for the mentally unwell, remember, there but for fortune go I.
My wife have had a subararanoid haemarrhage but can now walk 50″ although sometimes she is unable to balance because of damage to her cerebelum region of her brain so can suddenly fall down because of a loss of balance. She also had a major knee operation and had to use two crutches. She does not qualify. I had to take her to the garden centre for a break as she has not been out of the house for a long time only to have a rude note put on our windscreen by an old grumpy man and his wife who hold a badge. They can walk very well….much better even than an able bodied person. Because of this rude old man we do not go out of the house anymore. These old men with badges. They think they own the world and only think of themselves. They cheat by lying about their condition and then have the cheek and audacity to put rude messages. You call this fair?
As a very physically disabled Blue Badge user I am appalled at this idea. I have to carry portable oxygen which is heavy so I need to be close to get a trolley but I often see very fit able bodied people run into the shops leaving the badge holder in the car who never gets out, taking up space for a solo disabled person. There are enough dangerous drivers already on our clogged up roads today, and having mentally distressed peopled adding to this will be a disaster, you need to be alert and in control to venture out these days unless you live off the beaten track .
From the discussions above, it is so very obvious how fragmented and selfish our society has become. The main reason that the scheme doesn’t work is that, as usual, it is not funded properly and, therefore, not policed properly. Everybody seems to want the benefits of the scheme but nobody wants to pay for it being run properly. To do so would mean employing many more staff than currently and, like it or not, that costs money which, inevitably means higher taxes, local or central. You can’t have one without the other which results in this ‘sticking plaster’ for a broken leg scheme
(Pun unintended)
You appear to have made a mistake. Carers may use a car belonging to a disabled person who does not pay the road fund license but may NOT park in the disabled bay as they may be shopping etc. for a disabled person as they are not disabled.
See rules and regs
Yes, they can use the vehicle, but ONLY for the direct benefit of the disabled person. So, they can use the car to pick up medications, shopping etc. for the disabled person, but they are NOT allowed to use the car to travel to work, go out for a meal (unless the disabled person goes with them), or anything else for themselves or other people. Taking the kids to school is a big no-no, and apart from anything else, if the car is used for any reason other than for and on behalf of the disabled person, the insurance is invalid!
And, of course, using a disabled person’s blue badge if the disabled person isn’t present, or is staying in the car, is an offence.
Having just read all the replies i would like to propose the following(shame didn’t know of the “consultation” who did?) I am disabled and need space to get out my trolley etc.but don’t need to be near the shop as I am either pushed or scooterised,as are many disabled for those who need very close access to shops then they could have spaces that are not wide and long. a 2 tier system would be used.Perhaps even 3 tiered, why is it neccessary to be close to the shops if you do not have a physical problem and why can you walk around the shop but not walk from the car park?
Comments?
My wife and I both have Blue Badges, my wife has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a scooter to get about whereas I suffered a Spinal Infection which means I cannot walk or “sit” . I have a laying down electric wheelchair ( which I paid for ) and we have a VW Carrevelle converted with hand controls and electric everything for the wife to drive with me in the back ( also cost us a small fortune).
When we go out we park as far away from the disabled bays as possible, we find most able body drivers also like to park as close to the shops (or where ever) as they can, we find two spaces on the furthest side of the car park and park in the middle of them.
We do this because we both have electric mobility aids, with ranges of about 10miles.
We leave the disabled spaces for people who are walking or with manual mobility aids.
It pisses me off when we get around to the shop and see lazy gits parking in disabled spaces and running into the shops.
Unfortunately we live in a very selfish and lazy (me,me,me) culture. I’m allowed to park close but choose not to to help others,
If only everyone would just “think” about others first.
Also parking in disabled bays doesn’t give people the right to ask “What disability do you have?”
That is up to Doctors and councils to ask “NoBody else”.
That is exactly the points i was trying to make, you are one unselfish couple who deserve Blue badges as you know how to use them allowing others with more needs to take advantage and just use them when necessary. It is a shame your efforts are sometimes in vain by some selfish people Disabled or not. But you do make a difference well done.
I have had several operation on my feet/toes due to walking difficulties. Although it has improved a little I still continue to have problems walking. I spoke to my doctor about getting a blue badge and was told it was a waste of time applying. Will this not be the case next year if this changes?
My neighbour runs about to and fro his car, has a low rate of DLA, he’s applied for disabled bay, it was installed on Tuesday, there is a bay on opposite side of the road and still wants a bay. He harass people a nut cases maybe he lied to get his DLA. Shouldn’t have ago at me and my rescue dog, by making false claims, I had an a MRI on spine today, no cure, maybe with no cure for physical problems should have DLA and a Blue badge, my neck hurts, had he problems of the body since 1984 after a minor accident.
He does not need the bay so I made sure the right people know to bad.
The Blue badge should not just be for people who physically struggle getting from A to B to allow parking close to the supermarket entrance etc. I have suffered with severe depression & anxiety for many years & my employer has just announce they are moving premises to the center of a major city…I have adapted my live so as to avoid busy/crowded places for many years now so the thought of commuting by train & walking through the city centre has already increased my anxiety even tho this will not happen until later this year…the alternative is to drive and despite the extortionate NCP parking charged the worry of arriving & not finding a space at the closest car park is equally as stressing for me. So if maybe I would qualify for a badge having the piece of mind of being ensured a space would at least enable me to cope with the disruption of the moving premises
Currently there are too few disabled parking spaces. This will make the situation worst for those struggling to find the limited Disabled Parking Spaces.
My husband has a blue badge and the number of times we see people parking who put a badge in the window and run in and out of the shop before we are near the door is so frustrating that they must be using someone elses badge. I think that if the face of the disabled person was displayed upper most this would stop of this as they could be confronted by parking attendants and security and fined. This would also help the newly eligible without having this confrontation of not looking that they need a badge.
Please pass this to the powers that be to put this on all future badges.
As you know the Blue badge does have a photo of the person who has been issued the badge unfortunately its on the rear of the badge if we had a 2 part badge where both are on display it would make it harder for those abusing the system to do so. It should also have a phone number so people can phone and report misuse and include video evidence from their phone.
In a Car Park near Crystal Peaks in Sheffield, I could not park because a stores security guard had parked in a disabled bay right in front of the sign stating blue badge must be displayed. So as I am allowed too by law I parked directly behind him and blocked him in.A Blunkett Bobby came along and said as I was getting in my wheelchair You can not park there I told him yes I can as the vehicle parked in the space is parked illegally. He told me would issue me with a ticket unless i moved my car. I explained the law to him.
His response” I don’t know anything about that I will ticket you !”
I said if you ticket me I will make a citizens arrest. So he contacted the police station all of 500 yards away and asked for an officer.
The police officer came I explained why I was doing what I was and that I was in the right. The police officer fortunately knew the law( most do not).
He went into the store and told the security guard to move the vehicle
The security guard’s argument I work in the store. No disability or blue badge .
He then had to move his vehicle did he get a ticket. No.
Pip states for high rate mobility you can not walk more than 20 metres within a reasonable time twice the time it would take an able body person. Or you can not walk 20 metres.
The blue badge scheme is you can not walk more than 50 metres without pain. This is where the problem comes.
Until disabled bays are policed to ensure the person using them has a valid badge, then the photo issue is irrelevant anyway. In the area where I live most disabled bays are used by fit, healthy, lazy young men, who become extremely abusive and threatening to a lone disabled female who challenges their right to park there (me).
This is good news, but saying this contradicts what the DSS are doing to people who are not fit to work by saying they are and losing their benefits…
i think that you should be able to insert something into a post say at the space that lets people know you are disabled then remove it when you leave that may stop people from parking in these spaces when they do not have a card . if it was not visable then others could challenge them . the card is usually on windscreen and you cant see as you approach the space whether they are legitamitly parking or not. ive often had to justcome back home unable to park near shop i want to go as ive had a bad pain day and sturggling to walk any distance , but knwoing that as its sat aor sunday and the car parks full there are opel not disabled parking in the spaces . im talking about a large card that would be instantly niticable so you could draw up and beep till they move out if they are sitting in the car waiting on someone coming out shop as thst more often the case . ..we could also wave our large card at them ….
Not a new concession, it’s simply returning the blue badge to people who qualified pre 2014, when the tories and limp-dumps withdrew the facility. The big difference now is, it comes with added prejudice and hate, because having a disability is proof of being broken and if someone can’t obviously see what the disability is, well then they’re sub human. #torybritain
Oh and the “consultation” was one the courts had with the tory government and DWP, when they told them they were acting illegally withdrawing the blue badge in the first place..
Persons with blue badge should only be able to park in designated spaces not on restricted areas i.e. yellow lines.
Yellow lines are there to prevent traffic problems so I don’t see there should be any distinction between a disabled driver or an able-bodied one.
That would be OK if there were more disabled bays. I’m disabled and have a Blue Badge. I often have to park in normal bays because there are no disabled bays available.
As for parking on yellow lines! Many yellow lines in towns and cities are there just to make motorists park in paid car parks. As previously stated when parking using the Blue Badge you have to park responsibly and you are liable to penalties if you don’t. I have a Blue Badge because I have difficulty mobilizing and cannot walk for long distances. I am also a wheelchair user. When I have a carer to push me, yes I dont necessarily need to be too near to my location but it is different when I have to propel myself. Not all wheelchair users have fantastic upper body strength and it can be very difficult getting about.
Like this bill to Be. passed so people with dementia can travel with ease
That will be great for drivers in Bristol, where there is zero supervision or control.. Many disabled parking spaces are taken by young, active looking young people who are simply too lazy to walk any further than they have to, especially in Supermarket car parks where the management have no interest in who parks where as long as they are buying something.
I’m currently getting P.I.P would this include me please
I have had a badge since I was only 16 years old when it was an orange one back in 1971, classed as an old lady now! My disability over the years has got worse I now use electric wheelchair I regularly shop at well know supermarket and just about every time I go there are badge holders sat in car while other half do errands last week one parked near Next put badge in left who was obviously elderly relative in car while they went shopping no problems running up stairs to first floor, private car park so warden only checks for over staying time allowed. If they are asked how long they will be as I need the bay often get mouthful of abuse
Supermarkets and councils need to police who are using the spaces and start fining the non blue badge holders in the spaces.
Last week out of 4 disabled spaces on the street 3 didn’t have badges out, and i couldn’t find a space to park to get my mother and her wheelchair out of my car
Reading this about the blue badge makes me laugh because the government have bent over backwards to take as much money as they can offer people with disabilities with what they say on here are hidden . Does this mean all those that have been refused PIP . Are now going to be allowed it because you can’t it both ways people are disabled or there not