Review of Blue Badge fraud announced

People with hidden disabilities will soon be able to access Blue Badge parking permits, as a result of new Department for Transport guidance.

The new guidance, which represents the biggest change to the scheme since the 1970s, will offer a lifeline to people who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities. This can be for drivers or passengers with dementia, anxiety disorders or reduced mobility, as well as more recognisable physical disabilities.

At the end of 2018, the Local Government Association estimated that the theft of Blue Badges had risen by 45 percent in 12 months and increased six-fold since 2013. The expanded scheme coincides with the launch of a new task force to toughen up enforcement and help councils tackle fraudulent use of the badges.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “As a society we don’t do enough for people with hidden disabilities. I hope this change to Blue Badge guidance will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Martin Tett, Local Government Association Transport spokesman, said: “Councils know that Blue Badges are a vital lifeline for disabled people which help them get out and about to visit shops or family and friends and many have already been approving badges for people with non-physical disabilities.

“Theft and misuse of Blue Badges under the existing scheme is on the rise. Despite limited resources, councils are trying to crack down on dishonest motorists by prosecuting offenders and seizing Blue Badges suspected of being used illegally, so it is good that the Government has listened to our concerns and has committed to a review which will support councils in tackling fraudulent use.

“The Spending Review needs to ensure this becomes ongoing funding which fully matches the cost to councils of administering this new Blue Badge scheme, managing potential increased applications and demand for parking spaces and tackling this ongoing rise in fraudulent use. People can help councils win the fight against Blue Badge fraud, by tipping us off about people they suspect are illegally using a badge, bearing in mind this new eligibility and that people’s need for a badge might not be obvious.”