Blue Badges for a million more drivers

MORE than a million people with ‘hidden’ disabilities such as autism and dementia may be handed Blue Badges under plans to make it easier for them to qualify.

In the biggest change to the scheme since it was introduced in 1970, the Department for Transport wants more people with mental health problems and disabilities to get free parking.

But critics warn it could lead to a shortage in disabled bays while raising the risk of badge fraud.

About 2.4 million in England have a Blue Badge, which allows them to park for free in pay-and-display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines. Currently, many people have to apply to their local council for a badge.

To qualify, the rules state the applicant must have ‘ a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking’.

The Department for Transport said the wording creates confusion as it does not specify whether the disability is physical or non-physical.

This has led to councils interpreting the rules differently. The policy, which is out for an eight-week consultation, would change the wording to ‘ difficulty when walking’ to make it clear that those with hidden disabilities are eligible. There are an estimated 700,000 people in the UK on the autism spectrum and 850,000 with dementia.

James Taylor, of disability charity Scope, described the plans as a ‘victory for common sense’. But he added: ‘It is important that this change is accompanied by councils committing to crack down on abuse of the system.’

About one in five badges are misused. The offence carries a fine of up to £1,000.

Paul Slowey, of the Blue Badge Fraud Investigation group, said the reforms were likely to lead to more abuse. He added: ‘Another problem is there are only so many bays for disabled people to park in. So we could have more situations where someone who is severely disabled is not able to get a parking space.’

Meanwhile, some councils appear far more willing than others to dish badges out.

For example, 7 per cent of people in St Helens have a Blue Badge, compared with 4 per cent in North Tyneside. In both regions around a fifth of the population is retired.

The Government acknowledged the risk of Blue Badge fraud, which includes forging a badge or using a stolen one.

It said: ‘Issuing more badges may worsen the situation. Therefore it is in everyone’s interest that badges go only to those who are experiencing very considerable difficulty in making a journey.’