Government to overhaul Blue Badge scheme to help councils clampdown on abuse

Councils will be given new ways of preventing and clamping down on Blue Badge abuse as part of a package of proposals for a radical overhaul of the scheme, Transport Minister, Sadiq Khan announced today.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides a vital lifeline to around 2.5 million disabled people every year by prioritising key parking spaces close to important services, for those who need it most.

The Government is consulting on detailed plans to enable local authorities to enforce against abuse, including powers to confiscate stolen or forged badges on the spot following the biggest review of the scheme since it was introduced over 30 years ago. These powers will also help to reduce Blue Badge associated vehicle crime.

Sadiq Khan said: "From visiting friends and family, to attending a doctor’s appointment or getting to and from work, the Blue Badge Scheme helps millions of disabled people throughout England retain their independence.

"However, our 2008 strategy paper highlighted the extent to which some people are abusing the Scheme which means that it does not benefit as many people as it should - this can't be allowed to happen.

"This consultation gives greater detail on how we can tackle these problems and aims to ensure that the right people get a badge in the first place."

Other proposals include extending the scheme to more children under three years of age and seriously injured Armed Forces personnel and veterans. The consultation also aims to ensure that assessments of who should be entitled to a badge are fairer.