Review of the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme
(The Blue Badge Scheme)
Recommendations for change
4. Concessions
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Nearly all respondents agree there are areas where the concessions offered by the Scheme can be improved and that nationally applicable concessions from a clear and uniform Scheme would be preferable. Indeed, this is the area where there is currently the greatest confusion and misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of the Scheme. The existing Scheme only gives concessions regarding on-street parking and waiting restrictions. It does not apply to private roads or off street car parks. It does not apply in Central London where it is exempt from the National Scheme or certain other town centres where there are additional local Schemes.
4.1.2 The issue of designated residents parking for disabled people is a different issue and has not been considered under this review.
4.2 Local Disabled Persons' Parking Schemes
DPTAC recommend that:
[31] Local Disabled Parking Schemes involving further application for exemption from parking restrictions for on-street parking should be abolished.
4.2.1 The introduction of on street Local Disabled Persons Parking Schemes adds to confusion for Badge holders (especially visitors to areas operating a local Scheme) about where and when it is lawful for them to park. It also undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the Scheme nationally.
4.3 Exemptions
DPTAC recommend that:
[32] Central London Boroughs should not be exempt from the national Scheme.
4.3.1 Although there is general sympathy with the special traffic problems experienced in London there is consensus that the exemption of certain London Boroughs should be discouraged for the same reasons described above.
4.3.2 DPTAC agree that to maintain consistency of the Scheme across the United Kingdom, London Boroughs should not be exempt from the national Scheme as it adds confusion to Badge holders.
4.3.3 The special conditions in London at the time of introduction of the Scheme regarding congestion are also evident in many other centres, but Badge holders need to be able to access the capital city as much as any other city. The guiding principle is that if it is appropriate to allow on street loading and unloading, it is just as appropriate to allow parking by Badge Holders.
4.4 Length of time
DPTAC recommend that:
[33] The existing restrictions of three hours for parking without charge on single or double yellow lines in England and Wales with the use of a parking disc (timeclock) should remain. There should continue to be no time limit introduced in Scotland.
4.4.1 The main argument in favour of retaining the three hour limit regarding parking on single and double yellow lines is that road space is occupied by some Badge holders all day to the detriment of other Badge holders. The main argument for extending the three hour limit is that people often need longer to park for example at their workplace or when going to the theatre. Many local authority respondents felt that parking on yellow lines causes traffic management problems.
4.4.2 The majority of respondents were supportive of retaining the operation of a `no time limit' parking for the Scheme in Scotland and DPTAC sees no need for change in this regard.
4.4.3 An essential issue leading to the need to allow parking on single and double yellow lines is the lack of positive on-street provision for Badge holders. Over time and to be consistent with the operation of the Scheme in Scotland, DPTAC would support the removal of time restrictions on the use of existing on-street parking spaces but would encourage much greater provision of designated spaces for Badge holders first.
Published: 18 December 2002
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