Thousands of people with Parkinson’s, dementia, epilepsy and other ‘invisible’ disabilities have gained access to the benefits from Blue Badges under new rules introduced last summer.
In the first 3 months, new figures show, 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, as well as to people with a non-visible disability.
The new rules, introduced by the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, in August, widened the eligibility criteria to ensure that people with ‘invisible’ disabilities are not disadvantaged. The badges help people access shops and services, by enabling them to park closer to their destinations.
“People with hidden conditions like these have to fight not just their disability, but the psychological worry that others may not recognise them as disabled.
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” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
Ahead of the change, DfT issued new guidance to councils in England on Blue Badge parking permit eligibility, and launched in August a new online eligibility checker to make the scheme clearer for people before they apply.
While the new criteria gives clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-visible disabilities will qualify for a badge. Local authorities decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case.
