In response to Councillor Brenda Hugill's concerns over disabled parking ("Disabled councillor denied permit" BBC news - 21st May 2007), Stephen Williams MP has today released details of previous correspondence with the Government about this issue.
After calls by concerned constituents in late 2006, Stephen Williams took these concerns directly to the Department for Transport. In response, the Department for Transport confirmed that a review of the Scheme was taking place and draft proposals for Blue Badges for people with temporary disabilities would be published in the near future.
"There are many people in my constituency with temporary disabilities who would benefit from the use of a Blue Badge, but who are ineligible under the current scheme. Hopefully changes to the current scheme will allow local councils to better serve their disabled residents."
In response to Councillor Hugill's criticism of Bristol City Council, Stephen Williams MP commented:
"Although Councillor Hugill's concerns are compelling and legitimate, the council is not the authority to be criticised in this instance. Eligibility for a Blue Badge is governed by regulations laid before Parliament."
Disabled parking badges are currently issued for a minimum three-year period. The key criterion to qualify is a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
The Department for Transport have confirmed that they are currently drafting proposals which extend the provision of Blue Badges to people with temporary disabilities which severely affect their walking ability and are likely to do so for at least 12 months.
