Thousands with ‘hidden disabilities’ get blue badges

THOUSANDS of people with “hidden disabilities” including autism and anxiety have been given blue badge parking permits since new rules were introduced.

In the biggest change to blue badges since they were introduced in 1970, the eligibility criteria in England were expanded in August to include people with conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy. In the first three months under the amended rules, 12,299 new badges, around 130 a day, were granted to people who cannot walk as part of a journey without “considerable psychological distress” or the risk of “serious harm”.

The move has been welcomed by mental health charities and the AA, but critics have warned it could lead to a shortage of parking spaces for elderly drivers and others with physical disabilities, and increase the chances of fraud. Depending on the location, the permits can enable holders to park free of charge in pay-and-display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines.

This helps people access shops and services by allowing them to park closer to their destinations.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said people with hidden conditions endure the “psychological worry that others may not recognise them as disabled”. He added: “I’m proud that our reform is already changing thousands of people’s lives, allowing those in need to carry on their daily lives with more confidence and helping combat loneliness and isolation.”

Samantha Tomlin, whose son Henry has autism and is a new recipient of a blue badge, said: “When my son was younger sometimes I didn’t go out because I just couldn’t face trying to find a safe place to park. Having the blue badge just makes you feel slightly less anxious about the situation and feel your child is safer.

“It will make a huge difference to parents going through the early years and those with older children and adults that suffer with all the challenges autism brings.”

There were 1,432 prosecutions of motorists misusing blue badges in the year to March 31, up nearly a fifth over th the previous 12 month.