Scope of blue badge criteria to be widened
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NEW plans have been unveiled which could allow Halton residents with hidden disabilities greater access to blue badges.
Transport minister Jesse Norman has unveiled proposals which would make it easier for people with conditions such as autism and dementia better access to work, shops and amenities.
A Department For Transport (DFT) spokesman said the plans help to remove barriers to travel.
The proposals would also include a variety of healthcare professionals, who are better placed to identify if mental health causes mobility issues, carry out assessments to determine if a blue badge should be given.
Mr Norman said: “Blue badges give people with disabilities the freedom to get jobs, see friends or go to the shops with as much ease as possible.
“We want to try to extend this to people with invisible disabilities, so they can enjoy the freedom to get out and about, where and when they want.”
The consultation on the matter will last for eight weeks.
The DFT spokesman said about 2.4m disabled people in England have a blue badge which allows them to park on roads without charge and normally without time limit.
Around 75% of blue badge holders say they would go out less often if they did not have one.
National Autistic Society head of policy Sarah Lambert said: “It could mean that many more autistic people will qualify for a blue badge, which can be a lifeline.
“There are an estimated 700,000 autistic people in the UK and whilst every person on the autism spectrum is different, for some, not being able to park in a predictable place close to a destination can cause a great deal of anxiety and put their safety at risk.
“Some autistic people can experience too much information from the environment around them on public transport, while other autistic people might not be aware of dangers on the road.
“However, current blue badge rules mean that alltoo-often autistic people don’t qualify.
“The National Autistic Society has raised this issue with Government over recent years and we are pleased to see they have listened to the concerns of autistic people and their families.
“We hope the Government will make this important change and we look forward to working with them to make sure that autistic people and their families benefit.” –– Plus –– Deposits