The Blue Badge scheme, which helps disabled people park closer to their destinations, will be extended to people with “hidden disabilities” - including people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions - from 30 August 2019.
In a Commons written answer today, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Andrew Jones said:
“On 30th April, the Department for Transport laid The Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019 No. 891). The changes being introduced under the expanded Blue Badge eligibility criteria for non-physical disabilities will come into force on 30th August 2019.
The new Blue Badge scheme criteria will extend eligibility to people who:
- cannot undertake a journey without there being a risk of serious harm to their health or safety, or that of any other person
- cannot undertake a journey without it causing them considerable psychological distress
- have very considerable difficulty when walking (both the physical act and experience of walking).
Chief Executive of Disability Rights UK Kamran Mallick welcomed the widened eligibility to the scheme by saying:
"If we are to truly have an inclusive society that works for everyone, the Blue Badge is an essential component of this. The Blue Badge Scheme is an important and essential part of ensuring that we, disabled people, can participate and live our lives in society. With public transport not universally accessible the use of a car is essential for many. Being able to park closer to the destination is essential for badge-holders and can mean the difference between going out or not."