POTENTIALLY millions of drivers with certain health conditions may be eligible for a Blue Badge – as a new proposal could extend the scheme to include those with temporary health issues.
The Blue Badge scheme allows holders to park closer to their destinations and may even exempt them from some parking restrictions.
A temporary health condition could soon qualify for a Blue Badge under a new proposal[/caption]
Discover if you could be eligible for a Blue Badge and park closer to where you need to be[/caption]
Millions of UK drivers already benefit from the Blue Badge scheme – and it could soon expand even further[/caption]
An MP has pushed for new Blue Badge scheme to cover temporary health challenges[/caption]
And according to Wales Online, Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster has suggested the scheme could be extended to accommodate those with temporary health conditions.
Currently, those who receive higher mobility benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or Child Disability Payment (CDP) often qualify automatically.
Furthermore, people with walking difficulties, hidden illnesses or specific disabilities could be eligible for a Blue Badge
But Forster recently raised the issue with the Department for Transport, asking whether the government had considered the merits of introducing a temporary Blue Badge scheme to support those facing short-term mobility challenges.
In response, Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood explained that the Blue Badge scheme is primarily intended to assist people with long-term disabilities.
However, she highlighted that local authorities already have the power to grant parking concessions for individuals with temporary disabilities – suggesting that these existing local powers could be utilised to address the needs of people in such situations.
This idea could offer greater flexibility for those experiencing temporary issues – reducing barriers for individuals who may not meet the long-term eligibility criteria but still face mobility challenges.
Greenwood added: “The Department for Transport has previously issued local authorities with advice on how they could use existing powers to provide locally determined parking concessions within their areas.
“For example, some local authorities grant parking concessions to assist their elderly residents.
“The same powers could be used to help those with temporary disabilities.”
Those living with a physical disability or a health condition that impacts their ability to walk safely, or those with a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson’s, might be eligible for a Blue Badge.
Indeed, a recent report revealed there are over 3.2 million Blue Badge holders across the UK.
Applications for a Blue Badge can be submitted online, but guidance suggests that individuals with a mental condition should contact their local council directly.
The guidance says: “If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online.
“You should phone your local council’s Blue Badge team for a paper application form.”
It also states that those who do not automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme may need to undergo a mobility assessment and meet with a healthcare professional.
There is no set processing time for new applications or Blue Badge renewals – although it can take around 12 weeks.
Once processed, the badge usually arrives within 10 working days.