MPs have questioned the government over Blue Badge eligibility for people with fluctuating conditions like Parkinson’s and temporary parking support during recovery from surgery
New developments have arisen concerning calls to revamp the Blue Badge scheme for individuals with specific health conditions. Currently, Blue Badge permits are allocated to those dealing with severe mobility issues, including people unable to walk long distances, those with invisible disabilities causing distress or danger, individuals registered as blind, or those with significant upper limb disabilities that render operating parking meters unfeasible.
Local councils determine eligibility by assessing medical circumstances, entitlements to benefits (such as PIP or DLA), or specific needs for children with healthcare requirements.
Blue Badge permits are usually issued for a maximum period of three years. If eligibility is based on a time-limited benefit award like the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance, the badge’s expiry date will align with the end of that benefit if it falls within the three-year timeframe.
However, concerns have been raised that individuals whose conditions vary over time, either improving or worsening, may be overlooked. In a recent written Parliamentary question, Liberal Democrat Tom Morrison asked the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander: “If she will take steps to extend the qualifying criteria for Blue Badges to ensure that people with (a) Parkinson’s and (b) other fluctuating conditions are eligible.”
Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, acknowledged that individuals with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease do not automatically qualify: “This Government fully recognises the importance of ensuring that the Blue Badge scheme supports those who have their mobility impacted by substantial and enduring disabilities and other health conditions. The current eligibility criteria are focused on the impact on an applicant’s mobility, rather than based on specific disabilities or conditions, and can be found on GOV.UK.
“While Parkinson’s and other fluctuating conditions are not automatically eligible for a Blue Badge, applicants may still be eligible for a badge based on the evidence provided. Any decisions on an applicant’s eligibility are ultimately for the responsible local authority.”
In a similar vein, Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell questioned whether councils could be given the power to issue temporary Blue Badges for people recovering from illness or surgical procedures, reports the Mirror.. He asked Ms Alexander: “What assessment she has made of the potential merits of giving local authorities the power to introduce a temporary Blue Badge scheme.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Helen Morgan pressed Ms Alexander on whether she: “Will take steps to ensure that temporary conditions are properly considered under the Blue Badge application process.”
Mr Lightwood clarified that councils already have the power to introduce temporary parking relief measures, whilst the DWP would continue assessing potential enhancements: “Currently, local authorities, in their capacity as the traffic authority for their area, are already free to consider setting up locally determined temporary parking concessions that could assist the recovery of residents who have recently undergone major surgery or suffered serious illness.
“LAs already have powers under Part IV of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to mark out bays for specific purposes, issue local parking permits, and use Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to reserve spaces for specific purposes. This can be a voluntary local scheme, and the cost and nature of the concession would be for the local authority to decide.”
He continued: “Whilst the primary focus of the Blue Badge on-street parking scheme is to help people who have an enduring and substantial disability that affects their mobility park closer to their destinations, goods, and services, the Department routinely monitors the scheme to see how it may be improved, to ensure that it continues to serve those who need it most.”
