Blue badge parking permits to be rolled out to people with hidden disabilities, Government proposes

People with hidden disabilities could soon be entitled to blue badge parking permits under Department for Transport (DfT) plans.

The Government said the proposals would make it easier for people with conditions such as dementia and autism to travel to work, socialise and access shops and services in England.

It is hoped the move – which would be the biggest change to the blue badge scheme since it was introduced in 1970 – would help create parity in the treatment of physical and mental health.

The DfT said councils have different interpretations of existing rules with only some recognising hidden disabilities and the new proposed policy is designed to provide “clear and consistent” guidelines, this enables them to park free of charge in pay and display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines

The changes being put to an eight-week public consultation, which ends on Sunday 18th March 2018, also include blue badge assessments being carried out by a greater variety of healthcare professionals who can spot if mental health is causing mobility issues.

You fin about more about the consultation an how you can have your say by visiting: ‘Blue Badge (disabled parking) scheme eligibility consultation’.