People with hidden disabilities, including autism and severe mental health conditions can now apply for a Blue Badge following changes to the eligibility criteria which came into effect at the end of August.
The Blue Badge scheme already means people with physical disabilities can park closer to their destination than other drivers, as they are less able to take public transport or walk longer distances.
The new criteria extends eligibility to people who:
- cannot undertake a journey without there being a risk of serious harm to their health or safety or that of any other person (such as young children with autism)
- cannot undertake a journey without it causing them very considerable psychological distress
- have very considerable difficulty when walking (both the physical act and experience of walking)
While the new criteria should give clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-physical disabilities will qualify for a badge. It will be up to the relevant local authority to decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case.
People can apply for or renew a Blue Badge online and by contacting their local authority’s blue badge team .
See BBC News Article .
