950,000 people told they can apply for Blue Badge due to lesser-known rule

950,000 people have been told they could apply for a Blue Badge if they drive a car. Experts have shared advice on how people with dementia and Alzheimer's in the UK can obtain a Blue Badge for parking as they battle the cognitive condition.

Research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia. 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK. The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer.

The Alzheimer's Society explained: "There are some criteria that mean you are definitely entitled to a Blue Badge. This is known as being ‘Eligible without further assessment’. If you or the person you are helping don’t meet any of these criteria, you can still apply to see if you are eligible. This is known as ‘Eligible subject to further assessment’."

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A person with dementia may meet the criteria under this type if they may be described as a person who drives a vehicle regularly, has a severe disability in both arms and is unable to operate, or has considerable difficulty in operating, all, or some types of parking meter.

They may meet the criteria if they are a person who has been certified by an expert assessor as having an enduring and substantial disability which causes them, during a journey, to be unable to walk, experience very considerable difficulty whilst walking, which may include very considerable psychological distress.

And they also may make the criteria if in addition, they may be at risk of serious harm when walking - or pose, when walking, a risk of serious harm to any other person. Responding to the guide, one driver said: "I have difficulty navigating car parks.

"I have previously put myself at risk of getting hit by a car as I struggle to judge distances, due to my dementia. This makes others angry and means I avoid going to the shops unless there is someone to link arms and guide me."