Feeling Blue over Slow Badge Progress

The results of the latest Baywatch campaign run by disability charity, Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK), have recently been released – and it makes for disappointing reading.  The survey for 2020 revealed that although progress has been made since 2019, it has been slow in the fight to combat disabled parking abuse.  The charity has urged local authorities and the government to act, with DMUK’s CEO, Graham Footer stating: “It’s not good enough to have a policy that lays dormant.”

Feeling the Pressure

The annual survey asks members of the public to monitor disabled parking facilities at their local supermarkets and report back on their findings.  The parking spaces reserved for disabled drivers are larger than usual, allowing room for mobility cars and wheelchair accessible vehicles and can only be used if the driver displays their own valid Blue Badge.  However, for years now, the disabled community has called for more enforcement against those who park without a badge.  In August 2019, the scheme was extended to include those who live with a hidden disability.  While the move was a step forward for inclusivity, the increase of badge holders, combined with the lack of support from councils increased pressure on the system.

Disabled Motoring UK said of the expansion: “DMUK is pleased to see that Blue Badges are being issued to people with non-visible disabilities who need them. That said, we are well aware that this puts more pressure on a scheme that is already poorly enforced and makes effective enforcement more important than ever.”

Prioritising Independence

As the number of people being awarded a badge has increased, disappointingly, prosecutions for the those who abuse the Blue Badge scheme has fallen.  Furthermore, it still appears to be a struggle to get some local authorities to make disabled parking a priority.  Frustratingly, the report shows that in England, only 69% of local councils have a policy in place to prosecute those parking where they shouldn’t, with the vast majority of convictions in London.

The Future of Disabled Parking

It’s not all negative findings though, as the statistics show that this year, more local authorities have joined the cause.  If this trend continues then the future looks more positive for accessibility.  According to Graham, it’s time for the government to take notice and work with local authorities to ensure this essential scheme can remain, helping millions of disabled people live independent lives.

He concluded: “Enforcement is more crucial than ever considering the rise in the number of people who are entitled to hold a Blue Badge.  If you have a disability and would like to learn more about the Blue Badge scheme, head over to: www.gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme/