Assembly Member for Wrexham Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to expand and improve the Blue Badge disabled parking scheme.
People with conditions such as autism will now be eligible for the scheme and tougher penalties will be introduced for people who misuse the badges.
The Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme operates throughout the UK. It is designed to help blind and disabled people to travel independently as either a driver or a passenger to allow them to park close to where they need to go. The badges are free of charge and around 230,000 people in Wales are holders.
One of the Welsh Government’s key commitments was to modernise the Blue Badge Scheme as concerns had been raised as to how it was being implemented. To tackle the issues, the Welsh Government commissioned a group of experts to review the programme and their report contained recommendations on how to improve eligibility, assessment and enforcement.
As a result, the Welsh Government has now announced eligibility for the scheme is to be extended, ensuring those who are unable to plan or follow journeys as a result of sensory or cognitive impairment are able to qualify for a badge.
Local Authorities are responsible for deciding who is eligible to receive a blue badge and to ensure applications for badges are properly assessed, the Welsh Government is to develop further independent support and advice to assist Local Authorities when processing discretionary applications.
Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“The Blue Badge Scheme plays a vital role to play in enabling blind or disabled people to travel independently, helping remove barriers and improving access to services and facilities.”
“Extending the eligibility of the scheme and clamping down on the misuse of the badges demonstrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to modernising the programme.”
“These latest improvements will no doubt have a significant and positive impact on the lives of many more disabled individuals across Wales.”
