People with ‘invisible’ disabilities and non-physical disabilities could soon be eligible for blue badges thanks to a planned change in government policies.There are currently 2.4 million people in England who have a blue badge, which enables them to park on roads without charge and usually without time limits.Currently eligibility for the badges – which offer priority parking – is limited to people with physical disabilities but a consultation is currently taking place concerning extending the scheme to people with conditions such as autism and dementia.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “Blue badges give people with disabilities the freedom to get jobs, see friends or go to the shops with as much ease as possible. We want to try to extend this to people with invisible disabilities, so they can enjoy the freedom to get out and about, where and when they want.”
Sarah Lambert, Head of Policy at the National Autistic Society, said: “There are an estimated 700,000 autistic people in the UK and whilst every person on the autism spectrum is different, for some, not being able to park in a predictable place close to a destination can cause a great deal of anxiety and put their safety at risk. However, current Blue Badge rules mean that all-too-often autistic people don’t qualify. We hope the government will make this important change and we look forward to working with them to make sure that autistic people and their families benefit.”
To take part in the consultation, which closes on March 18th click here .
