Blue badges have been in the news recently – and not for good reasons. The blue badge scheme is a lifeline for many people. It enables people with serious mobility issues to park closer to where they need to go. They can also park free of charge in some cases, and park longer than more able-bodied people are allowed to do.

This makes sense as someone who has problems with their mobility, will often take longer to do tasks like shopping, and by the very nature of having a mobility problem cannot walk as far as other more able bodied people.

Recently it was reported that Welwyn Hatfield Council has decided to charge disabled motorists for parking in Welwyn Garden City.

We are not aware of any other councils who have taken this shocking decision. It could mean that in this case the council is breach of the Disability Discrimination Act, by placing blue badge holders at a disadvantage.

City Mobility will be very interested to see how this case unfolds. We understands that Councils sometimes have to make cuts, but this should surely not be at the expense of disabled people who – to be honest – have enough to contend with.

Most people use their blue badges honestly and considerately. They appreciate the benefits that owning one can have.

The BBC reported on 20th May that there has been a crackdown on fraudulent use of blue badges in Gloucestershire.

Fraudulent use of blue badges can mean that a stolen badge is used. Estimates state the 6000 blue badges are stolen every year, usually by people trying to avoid parking fees. This can be particularly lucrative where parking fees are high. There is even a black market in selling stolen blue badges.

The other very common way of blue badges being misused is when someone lends their blue badge to someone who is not entitled to use it.

We have all seen this happen – someone parks up in a disabled bay, then jumps out of the car, and rushes into a shop. It is annoying, and simply wrong. It is also illegal.

Some people do not care that their action could mean that another person cannot legitimately park, in a space designated for them.

You can report fraudulent use of blue badges to the local councils parking department. You can often do this anonymously. I use a walking stick and walking is very difficult for me. My Blue Badge is very important to me and I would never misuse it and agree the law needs to be tightened up but not at the expense of disabled people.

Author: admin