New call to update Blue Badge wheelchair symbol to promote inclusion for wider range of disabilities

A new online petition is urging the UK Government to update the symbol used to identify designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. The current symbol used in car parks and on-street parking locations across the country typically shows a blue ‘P’ or a wheelchair symbol.

However, petition creator Qadeem Akhtar argues that the wheelchair symbol needs to be updated to “reflect a wider range of disabilities” which would help “ensure inclusivity and understanding in our communities”. The petition states that the wheelchair symbol may “lead to misconceptions and contribute towards discrimination against individuals with non-physical disabilities”.

It’s important to be aware that the Blue Badge used by more than 2.8 million holders in Scotland and England does not have a wheelchair symbol on it. These only display a UK hologram and symbol, identifying the country of issue.

The ‘Change the disabled badge holder symbol so it represents more disabilities’ has been posted on the petitions-parliament website. It states: “The disabled badge holder symbol represents individuals who use wheelchairs. We believe this can lead to misconceptions and contribute towards discrimination against individuals with non-physical disabilities, including those with mental illnesses.

“We believe that the disabled parking badge symbol should be updated to reflect a wider range of disabilities, helping to ensure inclusivity and understanding in our communities. By incorporating symbols or elements that represent a broader range of disabilities, we can raise awareness and promote respect for individuals with diverse needs.

“We urge the Government to revise the disabled parking badge symbol to be more inclusive and reflective of the variety of disabilities experienced by individuals in our society.”

At 10,000 signatures the petition would be entitled to a written response from the UK Government. You can view it online here.

Who can get a Blue Badge?

If you have a physical disability or health condition that affects your walking ability, or have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's, you may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go.

A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland, up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. You can reapply for your Blue Badge on the GOV.UK site here.

A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or a passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays and you may be exempt from other parking restrictions. In some cases, you may automatically qualify for a Blue Badge and in others, your local council will assess your eligibility. This may include going to a mobility assessment and meeting a healthcare professional.

You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland 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 Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• get Personal Independence Payment (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 Adult Disability Payment (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

Who else could qualify for a Blue Badge?

If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances.

For example, 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

Where can I park with my Blue Badge?

You can use your Blue Badge to park in certain restricted areas for free, including:

• at on-street parking meters

• in pay and display bays

• in disabled parking spaces

• on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions

What do I need to apply?

Applications are made online to your local council and you’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself.

You will also need a photo or scan of your:

• proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)

• proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter - you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead

• proof of benefits - if you get any

You will also need to know:

• your National Insurance number

• the details of your current Blue Badge - if you’re reapplying

Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.