12,000 extra blue badges given out

THOUSANDS of individuals with conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy have been given blue badge parking permits since the scheme was widened in August.

The Department for Transport extended the eligibility criteria to include so-called hidden disabilities in August, the biggest change to the blue badges since they were introduced in 1970.

In the first three months under the amended rules, 12,299 new badges – around 130 a day – were granted to those who cannot walk as part of a journey without ‘considerable psychological distress’ or the risk of ‘serious harm’.

The permits often enable holders to park free of charge in pay-and-display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines, while in London they exempt holders from the Congestion Charge.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said those with hidden conditions endure the ‘psychological worry that others may not recognise them as disabled’.