More Blue Badges for Disabled in Wales

More people are set to benefit from the Blue Badge scheme in Wales as part of improvement plans.

The disability parking scheme currently gives thousands of people across the UK, who have severe mobility problems, a range of car parking benefits for their disabled cars.  The improvements to the scheme, introduced on the 1st August, will allow more disabled people in Wales to apply for a badge.

Disabled Groups Welcome Changes

Disabled people now eligible for a badge include children under three years old with specific medical conditions, people with disabilities in both arms and severely injured armed forces personnel and veterans.  The changes have been welcomed by the CEO of Disability Wales, Rhian Davies, who commented: “Disability Wales is delighted to hear that the Welsh Government intends to widen the blue badge eligibility criteria.

“For disabled people a blue badge is a vital element in being able to live independently in the community and enjoy the same access as non disabled people.”

The improvements have been introduced in response to a public consultation held last year which received feedback from a range of people and disability groups regarding the issues with the scheme.

Minister for Transport, Carl Sargeant, commented: “As part of the overview to modernise the Blue Badge disabled parking scheme in Wales we’ve listened to what people have said.  What has become clear is the need to extend eligibility to three sections of society who were previously overlooked – I’m delighted these changes now address that issue.”