A senior government official has suggested that a number of motorists who hold Blue Badges should not have them. It comes amid growing concerns about the rapid increase in parking passes issued by local authorities.
Regulatory Changes and Rising Numbers
Regulatory changes in 2019 allowed local councils to grant Blue Badges to motorists experiencing non-visible conditions, including ADHD and anxiety. According to The Telegraph, the number of badges issued for hidden disabilities increased from 18,000 per year in 2021 to 55,000 last year. As a result, the newspaper reports that motorists with severe physical impairments are increasingly finding it difficult to locate vacant parking spaces.
Government Response
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "A diagnosis of ADHD alone should not get you a Blue Badge. Each application is assessed on its own merits, with local councils making decisions based on medical evidence. Local authorities have robust powers to investigate suspected abuse and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary."
Blue Badge Benefits and Eligibility
Beyond granting access to reserved bays at supermarkets, the permits allow drivers to ignore several standard waiting restrictions, including double yellow lines. They further provide exemptions from congestion charges and various toll roads across the country, writes Neil Shaw on Devon Live.
Approximately three million motorists currently hold a permit, with a substantial portion of those approved over the last 12 months. The nationwide scheme exists to help motorists with significant mobility challenges or severe medical conditions reach their destinations more easily.
The system permits users to leave vehicles without charge in designated spaces and often allows roadside waiting for up to three hours. Crucially, the benefit is assigned to the individual rather than a specific car, meaning it remains valid whether the holder is driving or travelling as a passenger.
Automatic Entitlement
Potential applicants generally fall into two distinct groups: those with automatic entitlement and those requiring further evaluation. Automatic approval is granted to individuals registered as blind, those receiving specific war pensions, or people awarded certain armed forces compensation payments. Specific benefit scores also guarantee automatic acceptance for applicants. This covers individuals receiving the highest mobility tier of Disability Living Allowance or those achieving at least eight points on a Personal Independence Payment assessment.
Eligibility Based on Conditions
If you fail to meet these specific thresholds, you may still be eligible based on long-term physical or hidden conditions. This applies to people unable to walk or those facing extreme difficulty due to pain, breathlessness, or severe distress. It also covers individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others near traffic, including those with advanced dementia or severe anxiety. Motorists with severe impairments in both arms who cannot use parking machinery, and parents of infants requiring large medical apparatus, can also submit requests.
How to Apply
The most straightforward method to request or extend a permit is through the main government portal, though several authorities accept paper documents. Before starting, you must compile essential evidence to support your claim. This includes a National Insurance number, a digital photograph, identity confirmation, and recent proof of residency dated within the last year. Applicants who meet the automatic benchmarks must also provide their official benefit statements. Those following the standard evaluation route will need to gather medical records, confirmation of diagnoses, or a doctor's summary. After submission, local representatives will evaluate the paperwork. Depending on the situation, you might need to undergo a physical assessment with a designated healthcare expert.
Fees and Processing Time
A minor processing fee is required, capped at £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, and free in Wales. The entire evaluation period typically lasts about 12 weeks, and approved permits remain valid for three years.
