Review of the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme
(The Blue Badge Scheme)
Recommendations for change
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
Background
The Review Process
Structure of the Report
2. Eligibility
Introduction
Eligibility Criteria
Assessing Eligibility
3. Administration
Introduction
Responsibility for the Scheme
Period of Issue of Badges
Funding
Appeals System
Renewal Process
Duplicate Badges
Temporary Badges
Institutional Badges
4. Concessions
Introduction
Local Disabled Persons Parking Schemes
Exemptions
Length of Time
5. Enforcement
Introduction
Wider Checking of Badges
Penalty for abuse by Badge Holders
Abuse by Non Badge Holders
Providing Information about the Scheme
6. Additional Issues
Introduction
Positive provision of parking
Congestion Charging
Annexes
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Executive Summary
Background
Since its introduction in 1971, the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme known as the Blue Badge Scheme (the Scheme), has made a valuable contribution to the mobility of many disabled people. However, there is also much misunderstanding about the purpose, eligibility, concessions and operation of the Scheme among users, those administrating and enforcing it and the public alike.
The Government is currently undertaking a review of the Scheme, following a recommendation by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) and as part of which invited DPTAC to consider responses to a discussion paper issued in December 2001. This was issued by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on behalf of all four UK administrations.
DPTAC were asked to make firm recommendations on the changes necessary in any updated Scheme which would:
- Meet the needs of those who need the concessions for independent mobility;
- Minimise the potential for abuse;
- Be fair, robust and justifiable; and
- Link with related integrated transport policy implementation.
Over 300 responses were received and the Committee also considered advice from a meeting of key stakeholders and previous advice from DPTAC to Government.
Invariably in any consultation, there are conflicting views. Nevertheless there was agreement that change was required. In making recommendations, DPTAC has sought to identify and to build on areas of consensus.
DPTAC have made recommendations in five areas, these being (i) who is eligible for a Badge, (ii) how the Scheme is administrated, (iii), the nature of the concessions provided, (iv) how the Scheme is enforced and (v) additional areas and linkages DPTAC consider relevant.
Recommendations
(i) Eligibility
Automatic eligibility should remain linked to the Higher Rate Mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMDLA) and other existing automatic criteria. The 'discretionary' criteria relates to further assessment to provide a safety net for people unable or unwilling to claim HRDLA, particularly those who would qualify but for their age, and children under the age of 2 requiring transport of bulky medical equipment at all times. Further consideration needs to be given to the independent mobility of people who do not qualify for HRDLA but have severely restricted independent mobility, including people with mental health problems, severe learning disabilities, severe behavioural difficulties, severe autism and people with partial sight. People with severe mobility impairments expected to last for a temporary period (but not less than 12 months) should be eligible for a Badge. Independent mobility, and eligibility, should assessed by an accredited health professional other than the applicants General Practitioner.
(ii) Administration
The Scheme should remain a national scheme primarily for on-street parking concessions. The national Scheme should be administered at the local level by Local Authorities. A single national database of Badge holders should be created and operated by a relevant body to monitor the Scheme, assist in the process of Badge renewal and assist in enforcement. Everyone involved in the Scheme administration and enforcement should receive training on its purpose, objectives and effective operation, based on national good practice. Badges should be issued for a period linked to that of DLA (where relevant) for not less than 12 months but no more than 3 years. The Scheme needs adequate funding by Government to operate effectively but the Badge should be free to the applicant. Applicants should receive a reason for refusal and have a right of appeal. The appeal system should be fair, nationally consistent, with two tiers based on DTLR guidance on the system and grounds for appeal. Upon death of the Badge holder, the Badge should be returned. Stolen or damaged Badges should be replaced with the same expiry date but with a new serial number and persistent loss or damage should be investigated with the probability of removal of the concession. 'Institutional' Badges should be re-branded and restricted to those organisations qualifying for Disabled Passenger Vehicle tax exemption.
(iii) Concessions
Local Disabled Parking Schemes relating to on-street parking concessions should not be permitted. There should be no exemption from the national Scheme for the four central London Boroughs. There should be no changes to existing waiting restrictions until such time as positive provision of accessible parking permits the removal of time limits (as currently operates in Scotland).
(iv) Enforcement
Legislation must be introduced in England and Wales to enable checking of Badges by police officers, traffic wardens and parking attendants at the earliest opportunity. This is already in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland. New technology, linked to the single national database, should be used to provide a step change in the level of enforcement and facilitate concessions on payments. Penalty notices must be issued to Badge holders abusing the Scheme with stronger penalties to non-Badge holders abusing the Scheme. Information, training and publicity in a variety of formats and media about the Scheme to be available to Badge holders, the general public and those administering and enforcing the Scheme.
(v) Additional issues
Positive provision of accessible parking must be required through the local transport planning process and development control to ensure availability reflects local need. The Government commitment to exempt some groups of disabled people from any future road user or workplace charging should be linked to the Scheme.
Published: 18 December 2002
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