Blue badge abuse clamp down

Blue Badge abusers are to be clamped down upon with a planned overhaul into the way the scheme is run.

Blue Badges are issued to around 2.5 million disabled people each year, allowing them access to parking spaces nearer to their destination.

Now, the first review of the scheme in thirty years will see the Government give local councils the powers to confiscate stolen or forged badges on the spot.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said: “From visiting friends and family, to attending a doctor’s appointment or getting to and from work, the Blue Badge Scheme helps millions of disabled people throughout England retain their independence.

“However, our 2008 strategy paper highlighted the extent to which some people are abusing the Scheme which means that it does not benefit as many people as it should – this can’t be allowed to happen.”

New proposed additions to the scheme could see the badges given to children under the age of three years and seriously injured Armed Forces personnel and veterans.