Bid to eradicate blue badge 'abuse'

Jan 22 2013

Plans to crack down on the "abuse and misuse" of the blue badge parking scheme for disabled people have been unveiled by an MSP.

The authorities would be given extra powers to cancel and confiscate badges being used incorrectly under new laws proposed by the SNP's Dennis Robertson.

An appeals process for applicants who are initially refused a blue badge would also be introduced under the plans.

The move is designed to clamp down on blue badge fraud, which, it is claimed, costs the public purse in lost revenue and inconveniences those in genuine need of a disabled parking space.

Mr Robertson launched a consultation on his proposals and has called for interested parties to come forward with their views. He hopes to introduce a Bill on the issue to the Scottish Parliament in the autumn.

Mr Robertson said: "Finding suitable parking spaces, particularly in towns and cities, is difficult at any time. However, if you have a disability it can be even more difficult to find a parking space close to your destination, whether it is for work, education or leisure. This paper is about trying to ensure that we try and eradicate the abuse and misuse of the blue badge."

In 2011 there were 270,000 blue badges in circulation in Scotland.

They provide a concession which allows certain disabled people to park on-street with free use of parking meters and pay and display bays.

But the scheme has been open to abuse in the past. Audit Commission reports have identified how criminals forge blue badges or steal valid badges from cars which are subsequently sold on the black market, the consultation documents states.

Dr Pauline Nolan, policy and engagement officer at Inclusion Scotland, said: "We support Mr Robertson's bill to improve the delivery of blue badges to disabled people who need them to live independently by preventing their misuse, which can lead to distrust of genuine badge holders and a dearth of available spaces for those who genuinely need them."