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Blue badges: Task force launched to tackle parking permit fraud Blue badge permits: People with 'hidden disabilities' to be eligible
(32 minutes later)
A new task force has been launched to tackle fraudulent use of the blue badge scheme, which offers accessible parking for disabled people. People with hidden disabilities, such as dementia, may soon by able to access blue badge parking permits in England.
The scheme is being extended to include drivers and passengers with conditions such as autism or anxiety disorders - although eligibility will be decided by the local council.
Blue badge permits allow people to park for free or without a time-limit in otherwise restricted spaces.
The change will come into force on 30 August, the government said.
Scotland and Wales have already implemented similar rules to include some mental impairments, but the criteria is yet to be altered in Northern Ireland.
The government said it would provide an extra £1.7m to help councils cope with the expected increase in applications.
'Watershed moment'
About 2.35 million people in the UK have blue badge permits because they have physical mobility difficulties or are registered blind.
The scheme means people with physical disabilities can park closer to their destination, making everyday tasks easier and reducing loneliness and isolation.
Under the new guidance, permits will be extended to those with hidden disabilities, including:
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said he hoped the change would make "a real difference to people's lives".
"As a society we don't do enough for people with hidden disabilities," he said.
The government wants to improve public understanding so people whose disabilities are not visible will be able to use the badges without fear of being challenged unfairly.
The changes follow an 8-week consultation in 2018 and forms part of the government's drive for greater parity between physical and mental health.
Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said the extension of a scheme was a "watershed moment" with would allow people to travel "with greater ease and live more independent lives".
A review will also be launched to look at how councils can tackle fraudulent use of blue badge permits and improve the consistency of council enforcement.
More than 4,000 badges were stolen last year and councils prosecuted over 1,200 cases of misuse.More than 4,000 badges were stolen last year and councils prosecuted over 1,200 cases of misuse.
But 60% of councils did not pursue anyone for fraud, research found.But 60% of councils did not pursue anyone for fraud, research found.
The crackdown comes as the scheme is being extended in England to some "hidden disabilities", such as autism or mental illnesses, from 30 August. The review will also look at improving public awareness about the eligibility rules for badges - when it can and cannot be used - and how to return a badge when it is no longer needed, such as when the holder dies.
The task force will bring together organisations to work on improving the consistency of council enforcement against blue badge misuse. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, said the review would help it "crack down on dishonest motorists".
There will also be a review of public awareness about the rules on eligibility for a badge, when it can and cannot be used, and how to return a badge when it is no longer needed, such as when the holder dies.
The government wants to improve public understanding so people whose disabilities are not visible will be able to use the badges without fear of being challenged unfairly.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, said the task force would help it "crack down on dishonest motorists" but council enforcement had been hampered by "limited resources".
In 2018, the number of blue badges reported stolen was six times the theft rate in 2013.
Martin Tett, the LGA's transport spokesman, said: "People can help councils win the fight against blue badge fraud, by tipping us off about people they suspect are illegally using a badge, bearing in mind this new eligibility and that people's need for a badge might not be obvious."
About 2.35 million people in the UK have blue badge permits because they have physical mobility difficulties or are registered blind. In most areas, it means they can park for free in council-run pay-and-display spaces and for up to three hours on yellow lines.
The government could not say how many more people will be eligible under the new rules on hidden disabilities, which include:
Drivers and passengers with dementia or anxiety disorders are expected to benefit from the new guidance, but the final decision on granting a blue badge will be made by the local council.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "As a society, we don't do enough for people with hidden disabilities. I hope this change to blue badge guidance will make a real difference to people's lives."
An extra £1.7 million has been set aside for councils to cope with the expected increase in applications.
Scotland and Wales have already implemented similar rules to include some mental impairments, where people cannot follow the route of a journey without assistance, but the criteria is yet to be altered in Northern Ireland.