Blue Badge scheme to be overhauled

Date: 23/3/2010

The Blue Badge scheme that allows disabled people to have access to key parking spaces close to important services is to be radically overhauled, transport secretary Sadiq Khan has stated.

A consultation has been launched into the use of the permits, focusing in particular on helping local authorities to crack down on the abuse of the badges.

Under the new plans, councils will be able to confiscate stolen or forged badges on the spot.

The Department for Transport noted that this overhaul is the biggest review of the badge scheme since it was launched over 30 years ago.

A total of 2.5 million disabled people use the scheme every year.

Mr Khan commented: "This consultation gives greater detail on how we can tackle these problems and aims to ensure that the right people get a badge in the first place."

In related news, the Department for Transport has announced that step-free access for wheelchair users and other passengers will be made available at three key stations in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games.