Blue Badge holders could get lifelong permits in new government plans
Labour MP Julia Buckley has urged the Government to consider issuing 'lifetime' Blue Badge permits for individuals with permanent disabilities. She raised questions with the Department for Transport, which oversees the Blue Badge scheme, regarding the possibility of such an arrangement for those with lifelong, unchanging conditions, reports the Express.
At present, nearly three million people across Great Britain hold a Blue Badge. The badge is valid for three years and costs £20 in Scotland, up to £10 in England, and is free in Wales.
In her response on Thursday, Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood pointed out that the triennial application process enables local authorities to review eligibility and confirm that recipients still meet the requirements of the scheme. Ms Greenwood explained: "As a general principle, Blue Badge eligibility is based on mobility. Reapplying for a badge every three years gives local authorities the opportunity to reassess badge holders when their badges expire, ensuring that they continue to meet the criteria which makes them eligible for a badge."
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She added: "It also serves the purpose of making sure that the details local authorities hold about the badge holder, and those that are displayed on the badge itself, remain correct."
A Blue Badge allows individuals to park closer to their destinations, whether they are the driver or a passenger. The eligibility criteria was expanded in 2019 to include those with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy.
The badge is valid for three years, but local councils can take up to 12 weeks to process new applications and renewals. Current users should note their badge expiry date well in advance in a calendar or diary, as displaying an expired badge could result in a £1,000 fine.
Blue Badge application process - automatic qualification
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you:
are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment
get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment
get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
Other potential qualifiers for a Blue Badge:
If you do not automatically qualify, you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge under certain circumstances, if you:
have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you're virtually unable to walk
regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys