Thank you for contacting me about the extension of the blue badge scheme to people with non-visible disabilities – the system’s most significant overhaul in 40 years.
Blue badges are a lifeline for disabled people, giving them the freedom and confidence to get to work and visit friends independently. Over 2 million people in England have a blue badge and I fully understand the importance of the scheme to badge holders. Since 1970, the scheme has given people with disabilities the right to park free of charge, usually without time limit so that they can live their daily lives more easily.
However, it became evident that the application of the scheme to people with non-visible disabilities was not clearly understood or administered consistently across the country. The Department for Transport therefore consulted on clarifying the regulations and guidance, ensuring that any equality issues are addressed and that there is parity for physical and non-visible disabilities.
The eligibility criteria for non-visible disabilities is now in force, and the Department for Transport has published guidance for local authorities. The changes ensure that the rules on eligibility are clear and that those with the greatest need for badges are able to receive them. Eligibility was extended to people who have very considerable difficulty when walking, or who cannot undertake a journey without there being a risk of serious harm to their health or safety or that of any other person or causing them very considerable psychological distress.
Further details on blue badge eligibility is available on the Department for Transport website at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.
I am disappointed to note that the US does not officially recognise the UK Blue Badge. In the United States, requirements for disabled permits for visiting motorists vary from state to state. In some cases an out of state or international permit is sufficient; in others a local, temporary permit is required. Where applicable, it is worth checking with your car hire company or contacting a local tourist office representing your destination.
It is my understanding that the UK Blue Badge is recognised in a number of European countries and negotiations continue with others. Further information on which European countries recognise the UK Blue Badge is available
at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-using-it-in-the-e…;
Local authorities are responsible for the administration of the Blue Badge scheme and for the provision of disabled parking bays in their areas, ensuring for example that there are sufficient numbers and that they are located in the right places. Local authorities are also responsible for the enforcement of all parking regulations, including those regarding disabled parking bays on-street.
The parking concessions provided under the Blue Badge scheme only apply to on-street parking and not to off-street car parks.
The law already provides for enforceable disabled parking bays on residential roads. Enforcement authorities may issue penalties to the registered keepers of vehicles parked in such bays when not displaying a valid Blue Badge.
Thank you again for contacting me.