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  1. Published on: 29/07/2018 07:13 AMReported by: roving-eye
    Blue Badge scheme to be extended to hidden disabilities, including autism and mental health conditions.



    People with hidden disabilities, including autism and mental health conditions will soon have access to Blue Badges, removing the barriers many face to travel.

    The Blue Badge scheme already means those 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.



    In the biggest overhaul to the scheme since the 1970s, this will now be extended to those with less visible conditions early next year.

    Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: "Blue badges are a lifeline for disabled people, giving them the freedom and confidence to get to work and visit friends independently.

    The changes we have announced today will ensure that this scheme is extended equally to people with hidden disabilities so that they can enjoy the freedoms that many of us take for granted.

    The new criteria will extend 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)

    and

    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)

    The changes follow an 8-week consultation and are part of the government’s drive for greater parity between physical and mental health conditions.

    Although people with non-physical disabilities are not excluded from receiving a Blue Badge, the current rules are open to interpretation. The new criteria will give clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England.

    Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Sarah Newton said: "It’s absolutely right that disabled people are able to go about their daily life without worrying about how they will get from one place to another.

    "We’re taking an important step forward in ensuring people with hidden disabilities get the support they need to live independently.

    Added Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society: "Today’s Blue Badge announcement will make a massive difference to the lives of many of the 600,000 autistic people in England, and their families.

    "Just leaving the house is a challenge for many autistic people, involving detailed preparation – and sometimes overwhelming anxiety about plans going wrong. And some autistic people might not be aware of the dangers of the road or become overwhelmed by busy or loud environments. The possibility of not being able to find a parking space near where you’re going can mean you can’t contemplate leaving the house at all.

    The National Autistic Society and our supporters have been highlighting problems with the current rules to the government for many years. We’re thrilled that they have listened to the concerns of autistic people and their families, taking into account their needs for certainty and safety. Now it’s important to make sure that these changes are implemented fully and quickly."

    The consultation, which ran from 21 January 2018 to 8 March 2018, received more than 6,000 responses from across the country.

    The Department for Transport will now work with stakeholders to develop new guidance to help them administer their Blue Badge schemes when these changes come into force.

    The government recently set out its plans to improve accessibility across all modes of transport in the Inclusive Transport Strategy which launched on 25 July 2018. The strategy aims to make the UK’s transport network fully inclusive by 2030.

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    Your Comments:


  3. ausard2 says:29/07/2018 06:13 PM
    Just more congestion on the roads.

  4. dav says:29/07/2018 07:02 PM
    Isn't the existing scheme already abused enough without extending it to more subjective conditions?

  5. Ceam says:29/07/2018 09:05 PM
    You can tell the people who have no contact with these conditions can't you.

  6. ausard2 says:29/07/2018 09:29 PM
    Totally true, we live in the real world.

  7. Ceam says:29/07/2018 10:38 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ausard2 View Post
    Totally true, we live in the real world.
    Please clarify.

  8. ausard2 says:30/07/2018 04:24 PM
    We can only spend what we have , so there needs to be cuts to afford this .

  9. Ceam says:30/07/2018 05:05 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ausard2 View Post
    We can only spend what we have , so there needs to be cuts to afford this .
    So let there be cuts. Because in their real world this is a massive issue. Lucky you if your not affected by this, But there are many people that are.


    Also going back to your original point, What extra congestion?

  10. ausard2 says:31/07/2018 08:39 AM
    Of course you're high up in the medical world
    or is it what you've read in the paper.
    Then it must be true.

  11. Ceam says:31/07/2018 12:20 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ausard2 View Post
    Of course you're high up in the medical world
    or is it what you've read in the paper.
    Then it must be true.
    Probably higher up than most on here. Not because I'm super educated, but because I have a disable son, that goes to a special needs school where a lot of the children have autism. For the record this isn't something that will benefit me as we already have a badge and car. Which I'd happily exchange for an able bodied child.
    So actually I have first hand knowledge of the issues these children and their parents/cares face every day. While those unaffected judge without knowledge.




    So what's your fountain of knowledge based on? Please don't tell me it's the papers or what you have read on the internet.
    Last edited by Ceam; 31/07/2018 at 02:22 PM.

  12. local says:02/08/2018 09:27 AM
    The old system was a godsend for some, a scam for others, this will just be more of the same but harder to police.

    As it will mean more people will qualify will there be extra places as often disabled spaces are at a premium in popular spots.

  13. Alikado says:02/08/2018 10:40 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by local View Post
    The old system was a godsend for some, a scam for others, this will just be more of the same but harder to police.

    As it will mean more people will qualify will there be extra places as often disabled spaces are at a premium in popular spots.
    The number of places available to park has shrunk dramatically over the last couple of years. Many Councils now charge for or limit Blue Badge holders Off Street Parking and many Double Yellow Line areas are being made into No Loading & Unloading areas which means no parking with the badge.

  14. Alyssa Caroline says:02/08/2018 11:15 AM
    Nice

  15. local says:02/08/2018 05:12 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Alikado View Post
    The number of places available to park has shrunk dramatically over the last couple of years. Many Councils now charge for or limit Blue Badge holders Off Street Parking and many Double Yellow Line areas are being made into No Loading & Unloading areas which means no parking with the badge.

    Thank you, it appears the policy change has not been thought through to its effects.

  16. Ceam says:02/08/2018 06:09 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Alikado View Post
    The number of places available to park has shrunk dramatically over the last couple of years. Many Councils now charge for or limit Blue Badge holders Off Street Parking and many Double Yellow Line areas are being made into No Loading & Unloading areas which means no parking with the badge.
    Wouldn't bother me in the slightest having to pay, already do in some places. It's about access not freebies. Can't say I've noted a reduction in parking spots available.

    Odd that ausard2 has not replied recently. Almost as if they didn't really have a clue what they where talking about.


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