Blue Badge scheme extended

There was good news last week for drivers among the ASD community as the government extended the blue badge disabled parking scheme to include ‘hidden disabilities’.

The Department of Transport has confirmed that from 2019, people with hidden disabilities - including autism, will be able to apply for blue badge parking permits which will enable them to park closer to their destinations. The scheme began in 1970 and around 2.4 million people in England have a permit.

It’s the biggest overhaul of the current system in 40 years and it follows a consultation period which generated more than 6,000 responses, leading to the new arrangements.  Now, people with less obvious conditions, who face similar travel issues as the physically disabled, will be able to apply for a blue badge. The scheme also includes parents of autistic children.
The permit costs £10 from your local council and enables you to park in disabled bays as well as on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless there’s a ‘no loading’ sign.

Sycamore Trust UK spokesman Steve Dixon said: “Travelling is an enormous challenge for people with ASD, who may not be aware of the dangers of the road or find the noise and bright lights overwhelming.  Knowing you can park with ease on arrival at your destination will make a huge difference for members of the ASD community and may be the difference between leaving the house and not going out at all.”

In a statement from the DoT, 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 will ensure that the scheme is extended equally to people with hidden disabilities so that they can enjoy many of the freedoms that many of us take for granted.”
Click here to apply for a blue badge;