New Blue Badge Law UK 1st Jan

[davewhit]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16359850

Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lighttouch]

Wow! Well they really are tightening up on blue badge applications.

Just downloaded one from a Council that's 22 pages long. Five of which are guidance notes. New cost £10.

I'm all for it.

[MUD]

Wow! Well they really are tightening up on blue badge applications.

Just downloaded one from a Council that's 22 pages long. Five of which are guidance notes. New cost £10.

I'm all for it.
me to, about time ,

[sea queen]

Our local council have changed the way they do the Blue Badge Forms, applicants now need proof of DLA (higher rate) birth certificate plus National Insurance number. It was only a small form to fill in though.
It also cost £10.00.
Worth it I think if it stops people misusing them!!

[andypandy]

About time too !

[Stepheninleeds]

I helped at the time, a disabled group I was in was consulted on this, or did we demand we where? One or the other. Anyway, we pushed for changes, & it has taken them 4 years to get to this stage, after the consultation period they had.

There are concerns that they seem to have ignored, which will make it possible to allow people to abuse the new badge, counterfeit it, & could penalise genuine people. The changes we suggested would have limited the possibility of this much more than it will now. I am still very concerned that the costs of these changes will not be reflected in a serious enough reduction in fraud & misuse.

What also concerns me is the intention to tighten up the application & criteria for getting a BB. This is another thing that needed to change as it was too easy to apply & to get one, with very few checks. However, they intend turning the process over to an independent body (Someone tell me that will not be ATOS or someone like them).

[davewhit]

I helped at the time, a disabled group I was in was consulted on this, or did we demand we where? One or the other. Anyway, we pushed for changes, & it has taken them 4 years to get to this stage, after the consultation period they had.

There are concerns that they seem to have ignored, which will make it possible to allow people to abuse the new badge, counterfeit it, & could penalise genuine people. The changes we suggested would have limited the possibility of this much more than it will now. I am still very concerned that the costs of these changes will not be reflected in a serious enough reduction in fraud & misuse.

What also concerns me is the intention to tighten up the application & criteria for getting a BB. This is another thing that needed to change as it was too easy to apply & to get one, with very few checks. However, they intend turning the process over to an independent body (Someone tell me that will not be ATOS or someone like them).

sorry atos might bid for the job do a google search also local PCTs are keen to bid

[Stepheninleeds]

Either way I feel genuine people will loose out. I fear the ones who will benefit are cheaters, & of course those current people who steal, buy fake ones, etc.

[jdtaylor]

I do hope this will get rid of the large number of pensioners with them, who I clearly know don't come under entitlement rules for these badges in my area will loose them and the system tightened up as since the local council decided to charge for car parking for disabled even offering a special deal, one local high street has turned into what seems to be a car park full of people's cars with badges who shouldn't have them, and I am in the right mind this year to start reporting these people to the councils in the hope badges will actually be taken away from those not entitled and kept for those who are. I did get mine on appeal, but honestly I am more than entitled to it and we won't use disabled bays unless absolute necessary unlike a lot of elderly who do, blocking them from legitimate users. I hope, I'm not being too rude here but this all needs tightening up and these people abusing the system need to be found out and stopped and reported where necessary to ensure the system is only used by the people who should use it.

[Stepheninleeds]

Are you saying all those pensioners have fake badges? If so, have you reported this?

[beau]

My LA charge for parking with a BB and have done for several years. The only concessions are a wider space and an hour extra if you pay the maximum parking fee.
There are very few on street parking places to be had so we have no option but to use the car parks and pay.

[Lighttouch]

At my LA you also have a face to face interview and they take your passport type photo too.

[Densley]

Hiya,

I am very slightly confused by one of the earlier post here, how are you able to judge who is entitled to a blue badge and who isn't simply by watching them in the street? I have raised this issue elsewhere where there seems to be an assumption that disabled people fit a mould and a pattern of appearance. I work with visually impaired people, those registered as blind are automatically entitled to a blue badge, I would challenge anyone here to correctly identify some of those people simply by watching them in the street. Disabled people, and I include myself in this comment SHOULD NOT fall into the trap of beliving disabled people fit into the mould often used by non-disabled people. I am not suggesting that the rules regarding blue badges should not be enforced and nor am I suggesting that simply being old should be an acceptable reason to have a badge, I am however objected to people using stereotypes!!!! Chris

[beau]

Agreed!! There are so many hidden disabilities.

[Lighttouch]

visible and invisable impairments.

Let's face it you can be visually impaired or blind, hearing impaired or deaf, be physically impaired or have learning disabilities. And people who have hidden impairments may not want to disclose the fact they have a hidden disability because they may think people may treat them differently or even discriminate against them.

For the purpose of eligibility for a blue badge take a look at this application and you can see who will be considered for a blue badge.

http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/health_and_social_care/disabilities/blue_badges.aspx

[MUD]

Hiya,

I am very slightly confused by one of the earlier post here, how are you able to judge who is entitled to a blue badge and who isn't simply by watching them in the street? I have raised this issue elsewhere where there seems to be an assumption that disabled people fit a mould and a pattern of appearance. I work with visually impaired people, those registered as blind are automatically entitled to a blue badge, I would challenge anyone here to correctly identify some of those people simply by watching them in the street. Disabled people, and I include myself in this comment SHOULD NOT fall into the trap of beliving disabled people fit into the mould often used by non-disabled people. I am not suggesting that the rules regarding blue badges should not be enforced and nor am I suggesting that simply being old should be an acceptable reason to have a badge, I am however objected to people using stereotypes!!!! Chris
Hi Chris welcome

I am Blind so am eligable for the BB

when my wife takes me shopping and parks in a disabled park and puts ths BB in the window she tells me folk are looking to see who is disabled, when they see my white stick I have heard people say he can walk why does he need a BB

also had people park beside us put in a BB and run yes run into the store because it is raining, so they can drive not blind and run so why do they need a BB

some people have walking problems so apply for a BB get one and then later on have an operation to cure the walking problem, but never hand back the BB.

it needed sorting to much abuse of the BB going on

[Stepheninleeds]

This is a fair point. I try not to judge. Those I judge are usually those who do not display a badge, or those who are delivering large parcels & bouncing about, those rushing into a shop faster than a marathon runner then rush back out into the car & have no one else in the car..... To many I should not have a badge (I do not have one at the moment). In fact, it is surprising how many cannot see my walking stick or the fact I walk like a pregnant duck!

[Carneucopia]

Any changes which seek to prevent fraud are welcome. But Blue Badges are a tricky one. Many people who need them are too old to get HRM anyway, so that in itself isn't a fair criteria. Some people may not want to claim DLA for whatever reason - but still need help. And for those who are blind and currently in receipt of HRM - well - who knows what might happen next year?
It's just a shame that stores and other parking facilities can't afford to employ people who could monitor parking use properly. At least that would provide a few more much needed jobs.

[Richard]

I've only had my BB for a few months now and I don't get DLA or mobility, just IB and industrial injury’s, it was my doctor that confirmed to the council that I should have a BB.
To look at me you would say that he is a very healthy 60 year old, but I'm far from that, I have a damaged spine due to an accident at work, emphysema, incontinent and recently diagnosed with a prolapsed disc with spinal stenosis as well and now waiting for treatment, but I go kayaking and cycling, last year I cycled 2085 miles, but that impossible you may say and why should he have a BB he surely should not have one and if he can cycle 2085 miles he should be able to walk more than 50yds.
The truth is I can't, I have a lot of back pain and get breathless very quickly, but I refuse to give into it.
In all the months I've had my BB I have only used it twice the first time double yellow lines outside a toilet (Radar key toilets) to change my nappy and the last was at a car park at the beach it was easier to unload and load my kayak in the disabled area, I did think it was a bit of a cheek and a few people looked with shock, but what the heck I'm entitled to.
I will not use it at supermarkets I don't think I need it for that as the distance between able body parking and disabled is very short, but I do get a lot of pain waiting in the queue at the checkout so bad I need the trolley to lean on to get back to my car.
So please don't judge people the way they look, I can't help looking fit and well.

"Look at him, he's not disabled"

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/YakDiver/Kilt.jpg

[MUD]

you said it Richard. Entitled, as long as someone is entitled to a BB, no problem,

it's the people who are not, that are the problem, and therefore make it difficult for the entitled.

[Stepheninleeds]

Assumptions are always made. I assume if someone has a badge they are probably entitled to it, even though I know there are a lot of fakes out there. Actually, I can spot some fakes, but most are very good.

You know what Richard, I sort of feel the same in a different way about supermarkets. I feel we would need to use the blue bays if we had a car, but I always say that if I could walk further with a full trolley I would, or if I was not disabled & even if the weather was bad I would not use one as many do who are not disabled.

[Stig]

The biggest problem ive found is people using an other persons blue badge ,Mother,son ,daughter,friend father etc may well be entitled to the blue badge .However when they are not in the car the blue badge should be stowed away in the glove compartment and not used to park in the town centre in a disabled bay and sprint off to the shops . Traffic wardens and police should do more checks on those displaying blue badges just to make sure that the person using it is the persons whos name and picture appear on the badge . It is a criminal offence to misuse a blue badge with a huge fine but how many are ever caught due to those who have the power to check these things simply not being arsed to bother

[wobble1]

This was discussed before in the motability section.
I personally think that BB spaces should only be for wheelchair users or those who have severe difficulty getting in and out of their car because the extra width is the main gain not the closeness to the entrance. Under DLA criteria it is the ability to walk less than a certain distance that decides eligibilty but in the majority of car parks the distance saved in walking seems very little if you can actually walk round the supermarket.
Yesterday I saw a BB holder with Alzheimers, he had no mobility problems.

[Lighttouch]

Yesterday I saw a BB holder with Alzheimers, he had no mobility problems.
Hi Wobbie1, you have to be careful when jumping to conclusions. My father is 87 and has Alzheimers and has a Blue Badge and he goes with my mother to the supermarket. However the badge is for his heart condition and all he does is sit in the cafe while my mother shops. In fact he was rushed to hospital last night after a stroke then he had another while in hospital. So there are numerous hidden disabilities that may entitle a person to a BB without receiving mobility allowance.

[wobble1]

Hi Wobbie1, you have to be careful when jumping to conclusions. My father is 87 and has Alzheimers and has a Blue Badge and he goes with my mother to the supermarket. However the badge is for his heart condition and all he does is sit in the cafe while my mother shops. In fact he was rushed to hospital last night after a stroke then he had another while in hospital. So there are numerous hidden disabilities that may entitle a person to a BB without receiving mobility allowance.
Sorry to hear about your fathers situation, I hope he recovers his health.
Doesn't seem appropriate to debate the point under your personal circumstances but I wasn't jumping to conclusions only that this gentleman didn't have any mobility problems and was being escorted by his daughter round the shop.
The point I was making is that there is no need for him to park in a BB bay.

[Stepheninleeds]

Sorry to hear this LT, your family have been through it lately.

I can see where some see mobility as an issue, but there are other factors in the need for parking nearer. Distance can be an issue, even if a few feet. Think of having to push a heavy trolley to the car, turning it, controlling it. Then if you have a person with you who also needs assistance this can make it much harder. Shopping can be a nightmare when you are disabled, even if you can sort of walk. Does not mean your legs work properly, or you arms.

[Stig]

Went to Derby last year and blue badge holders get so many hours free after which they have to pay. However if you have a disabled tax disc in your car then you can park all day for free

[tinker]

It's the same around here in West Wales, Carmarthenshire for example are free to BB holders for the 1st 3 hours whereas Ceredigion charge everyone except BB holders in 'tax-exempt' vehicles.

[beau]

We have to pay, the only concession is one of the wider spaces.