Parking boost for blue badge holders

The government has agreed to press ahead with improvements to the
disabled persons parking scheme.

The improvements, part of a UK-wide study of the blue badge scheme,
include reinforcing the eligibility criteria for badges and
considering the feasibility of a national database of badge
holders.

The changes were put forward by the Disabled Persons Transport
Advisory Committee, an independent advisory body.

The government has also announced cash support for the “Baywatch”
campaign that encourages the protection of disabled persons’
parking bays in supermarket car parks.

Meanwhile, disabled people in London are to receive a further boost
from April when they will receive 24-hour free travel on tube, bus
and tram services. At the moment they are entitled to free travel
only after 9am. This brings them into line with the benefits
offered to blind people.

London boroughs have agreed to provide nearly £170m to ensure
that the scheme, which is also open to older people, can go ahead.