Huge change to Blue Badge scheme set to help thousands of 'hidden' disabled - full details below

Government_needs_reform

Breaking news. Looks like good news for,

Tens of thousands of people with hidden disabilities such as autism, dementia and mental health conditions are to get blue badge parking permits from next year.

Ministers are trumpeting what they describe as the biggest overhaul of the scheme in 40 years as they include “invisible” disabilities in eligibility criteria.

Some local authorities already do this, but today’s announcement will make it common practice across the country.

The government claims it could help an extra 44,000 people in the first year and 177,700 people over 10 years. 

Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “This will ensure people with hidden disabilities can enjoy the freedoms many of us take for granted.” 

But some branded the decision a government U-turn - as the number of blue badge holders plummeted by more than 250,000 since the Tories came to power.

The number of valid blue badges in England has fallen from the 2011 peak of 2.64million to 2.38million last year.

Who will now be eligible?

The government says eligibility will be extended to the following people who weren't eligible before:

• People who cannot undertake a journey without there being a risk of serious harm to their health or safety or that of any other person (such as young children with autism)
• People who cannot undertake a journey without it causing them very considerable psychological distress
• People who have very considerable difficulty when walking (both the physical act and experience of walking).

See full story here https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/huge-change-blue-badge-scheme-12998676

Quinlan1

Ok so it’s ok they going to do but how many hoops do they have to go thew 
Being disbled too get anything is like going in to a boxing ring  

wilko

What ever next! I thought like most if not all people that those who hold a blue badge have a physical disability and needed to park close to the amenities or facilities they wish to use. We have all seen cars park display their badge then walk off as, like a normal able bodied person, hidden disability ok we accept this but now councils will from sometime next year be able or required to issue blue badges to people with mental disabilities, autism was quoted and other will be added. Does, will this mean a parent who's child or an adult who has autism can obtain a badge to use while out with their child or their selves, even though they are fully mobile???

GizmoTiddles

In my location Blue badge parking used to be free in local authorities CP's and if you could find one empty ,you were lucky.
 There was a revamp last year ALL CP now a charge but +1 HR free with a BB .Also lots more spaces provided .which are now all empty till the proper disabled badge user fills one .
A lot of misuse was going on.by those borrowing a BB and going to work.
On street parking still free 4hr limit
.And 4 hrs free in local hospital.
  Also in case you didnt know if thinking of holiday in Wales the Severn crossings bridge tolls are free With BB.
Congestion charge London free with BB.(you have to apply)
Tamar bridge and ferry free with BB
(You have to apply £2 for a pass)
  Any others that could be helpful ?
Cheers
Gizmo

Government_needs_reform

Yes Im going to add this message, for anyone doubting this regarding the Blue Badge. There's always going to be good in bad in every aspect regarding this?

There is many disability's that are and have hidden disability's, and many that are there for all to see, but we cannot discriminate to anyone with disability's I've read a few posts on here lately regarding the use of the Blue Badge by able bodied people (They Know Who They Are) as I and many know that if the disabled person is in or with the able bodied person being seen driven or even the able bodied person is running an errand For the disabled person, like picking up prescriptions etc.

Many are quick to judge that they've seen an able bodied person get out of the car once they've may have dropped of the disabled person and gone to find somewhere to park while or also waiting for the disabled person to return for them to pick them up.

Im physically disabled and my friend drives my car and drops me off at a point I need to be and then finds a disabled space then he might walk to where he has dropped me off to meet me. So is that wrong? No it's not.

we are all quick to judge without knowing the full truth, so be mindful when presuming that all able bodied are parking in a disabled parking space for their own benefit. I'm not saying it goes on but most of the time people park in those spaces to help the disabled person with there day-to-day life.

I believe many know it's difficult to obtain a B.B. but this is given others a chance to be free.

April2018mom

Honestly I welcome the good news. We have needed a change for years now. And people are too quick to pass judgment on something that they don’t know anything about. It is sad. In my area having a Blue Badge enables you to park free of charge for a short period of time. 

exdvr

@GovernmentsA Joke

Quote.....I'm physically disabled and my friend drives my car and drops me off at a point I need to be and then finds a disabled space then he might walk to where he has dropped me off to meet me. So is that wrong? No it's not.

Yes it is wrong.

I'm sorry but in the example you stated the driver of your car is not disabled and therefore has no right to use a disabled parking space or even be driving your car with a blue badge displayed when you're not in it.  All he is doing is blocking a space, and is one of the many reasons the system is brought into disrepute.

wilko

A non disabled driver can drive a car with a blue badge holder to a drop off point even if it is on double yellow lines escort them to their destination leaving the car parked on the lines while displaying the blue badge then drive to a suitable parking space not a disability space then return later and park again on double yellow lines displaying the blue badge and go and escort the disabled person to the car and return home.

Yadnad

wilko said:

A non disabled driver can drive a car with a blue badge holder to a drop off point even if it is on double yellow lines escort them to their destination leaving the car parked on the lines while displaying the blue badge then drive to a suitable parking space not a disability space then return later and park again on double yellow lines displaying the blue badge and go and escort the disabled person to the car and return home.

Who ever does that is a fool. You might as well leave the car where it is on double yellows both do your shopping etc and meet up at the car in three hours time.