Thousands with hidden disabilities given blue parking badge under new rules
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said people with hidden conditions have had to endure the 'psychological worry that others may not recognise them as disabled'.
More than 12,000 people with hidden disabilities have finally been given blue parking badges since new laws were introduced.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said thousands have already benefitted – around 130 a day – since the scheme’s eligibility criteria was expanded in August.
Previously, those living with conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy were not entitled to the parking permit, which was first introduced in 1970.
The major change was expected to make a huge impact on thousands of drivers’ lives, who will now be able to park closer to their final destination with more ease.
Under the amended rules, the DfT revealed 2,299 new badges were granted to people who can’t walk as part of their journey without ‘considerable psychological distress’ or the risk of ‘serious harm’.
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 near the shop or doctors.
‘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.’
Depending on the location, the permit often enables holders to park for free in pay-and-display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines.
In London the badges also exempt holders from paying the Congestion Charge.
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.’
DfT figures published earlier this month showed prosecutions of motorists misusing blue badges reached 1,432 in the year ending on March 31, up nearly a fifth compared with the previous 12 months.
Nearly all the cases involved someone using another person’s badge.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said thousands have already benefitted – around 130 a day – since the scheme’s eligibility criteria was expanded in August.
Previously, those living with conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy were not entitled to the parking permit, which was first introduced in 1970.
The major change was expected to make a huge impact on thousands of drivers’ lives, who will now be able to park closer to their final destination with more ease.
Under the amended rules, the DfT revealed 2,299 new badges were granted to people who can’t walk as part of their journey without ‘considerable psychological distress’ or the risk of ‘serious harm’.
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 near the shop or doctors.
‘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.’
Depending on the location, the permit often enables holders to park for free in pay-and-display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines.
In London the badges also exempt holders from paying the Congestion Charge.
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.’
DfT figures published earlier this month showed prosecutions of motorists misusing blue badges reached 1,432 in the year ending on March 31, up nearly a fifth compared with the previous 12 months.
Nearly all the cases involved someone using another person’s badge.