Information on Loughborough

Disabled Parking Consultation

Posted on 29/01/2008
P. Klein

disabled parking

Andy today welcomed the launch of a public consultation on the Disabled Persons Parking Badge Scheme ("the Blue Badge Scheme"). It was launched yesterday by Rosie Winterton MP, Transport Minister. The consultation provides an opportunity to update the blue badge scheme and bring it into the 21st century.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking concessions to disabled people. In February of last year (2007), the Department for Transport announced a review of the scheme.  Using an independent consultant, Rob Smith, a review was conducted through a combination of desk based research as well as stakeholder interviews.  The review looked at schemes eligibility, concessions, management and enforcement in light of the social, political, environmental and technological changes that have happened since the scheme was started in 1971.

Andy is calling on local people to respond to the consultation about how to make the blue badge scheme better. The consultation will look at how the Scheme can better reflect the needs of the Blue Badge holder and also beef up its security to prevent abuse.

Andy says “this is a good opportunity for local people to express their views and opinions on how to make the blue badges better. I believe that the Blue Badge Scheme should be fit for purpose. It must help those that need the Badge to improve their mobility and independence, but also be robust enough to prevent abuse of the scheme.

I want those in Loughborough with experience of the Blue Badge Scheme to get involved in the consultation, tell us what you think and feed in any ideas and experiences you have had, to help us make the Blue Badge Scheme the best that it can possibly be. Please include me in any responses to the consultation”