Disabled groups are welcoming a government crackdown on the widespread abuse of the "blue badge" parking scheme in England.

There are an estimated 2.5 million badges in circulation, allowing drivers to park on yellow lines as well as avoid parking and congestion charges.

The changes will see local authorities gain more powers to seize badges they think are being misused.

And tests for eligibility will be run by councils rather than GPs.

The scheme was introduced in the early 1970s but in recent years, concerns have grown that many of the badges are being used by people who are not disabled.

Now the Department of Transport says new badges will be printed with anti-fraud holograms.

Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote


Local authorities have been swimming against the tide”

Norman Baker MP
Transport Minister
And it said councils would get toughened "on the spot" powers to seize badges that were being misused.

Launching the scheme in London, Transport Minister Norman Baker said the measures were aimed at restoring credibility to the system.

"Local authorities have been swimming against the tide.

"Now we're giving them a lot more powers and we're going to end up with a new badge with many more security features."

The cost of the badges will rise, from £2 to £10. The minister said the extra money would cover the extra costs councils will face.

As well as being able to easily seize badges that are being used fraudulently, councils will oversee the testing of applicants - a process previously carried out by family doctors.

I'd say that over 50% of the people I see using disabled parking with blue badges don't look disabled.

Do you have one so you can find your car easily in case you forget where you parked it?!

Edit: just reread your post, so you're disabled as well as the amnesia?

The amnesia is the disability. Without a blue badge I could never find a car. Even worse if I am with someone else in their car. If we get separated if the car is right outside the shop or pub then much harder to get lost.

Can't you just write down where you left it on paper or a phone?

And tests for eligibility will be run by councils rather than GPs.

Now that is worrying. I can see Jobs Worths removing badges to meet quotas rather than on the basis of need. Who is some spotty teenage office worker to decide if someone if unfit enough to need a blue badge or not? That's for the medical profession to decide.

I have a friend who has a blue badge and to look at him getting out a car youd think he wasnt disabled but just has a funny walk.
He loves recounting a story when he was challenged about being normal and "cheating the system". An old battleaxe was laying into him about "how dare he pretend he is disabled ect". He promptly leant against his car and removed his prosthetic leg! which promptly shut her up!!