This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Review of parking for the disabled
14/12/2001
A major consultation exercise on the Blue Badge parking
scheme for people with disabilities has begun.
The review is being undertaken as part of a UK-wide
consultation to update the mobility scheme for motorists
with disabilities, and is the
first comprehensive review in over 15 years. Under the
current scheme, which is a devolved matter, badge-holders
receive a range of parking concessions.
Deputy Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning
Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"By allowing badge holders to park closer to their
destination, the scheme makes a real contribution to
promoting social inclusion and improving quality of life
for people with disabilities. It's a perfect example of the
way a relatively small thing can make a huge difference to
people with mobility problems.
"I want this review to result in a fairer system, giving
people across the country the same access to this valuable
scheme. I know access to transport makes a vast difference
to the lives of those with disabilities, helping them use
services which other people take for granted.
"The Executive is committed to ensuring that everyone
can play a full part in society and this review is part of
an impressive package of measures that we have put together
to benefit people with disabilities. We have already
introduced free travel for blind people, are improving
concessionary bus fares and establishing a new committee -
MACS - to enable those with disabilities to voice their
views on transport issues.
"Through our public and rural transport funds, we have
also been able to introduce a range of transport schemes on
the ground which are transforming the lives of people with
disabilities across Scotland."
The Department for Transport, Local Government and the
Regions on behalf of all 4 UK administrations including the
Scottish Executive today published a
discussion paper which aims to encourage further
discussion of the issues involved, including badge
eligibility requirements, enforcement measures,
administration and appeals.
The Disabled Persons' Parking Badge Scheme (also known
as the Orange Badge scheme) was introduced in 1971. It is
an on-street parking concession and does not apply to
off-street parking.
On April 1, 2000, the scheme was replaced in Scotland by
the Blue European Parking Badge Scheme for Disabled People.
Blue badges are being phased in over a three-year period as
existing orange badges come up for renewal or as new
applications are processed. In March 2000, there were 2.23
million badges on issue across the UK.
The introduction of the Blue Badge Scheme, administered
by local authorities, did not affect the eligibility
criteria or parking concessions under the Orange Badge
Scheme.
Working with the devolved administrations in Scotland,
Wales and Northern Island, the Department for Transport,
Local Government and the Regions commissioned MVA
Consultants to carry out the review which has so far
involved wide-ranging discussions with a range of
disability groups and organisations.
The deadline for responses is March 15, 2002.
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
(DPTAC) was today invited by the Secretary of State for
Transport, Local Government and the Regions to co-ordinate
responses to the discussion paper and to make
recommendations to the Government by spring 2002.
The Mobility and Accessibility Committee for Scotland
(MACS) will be made up of 10-15 people, at least half of
whom will be disabled. Members are expected to be appointed
in February next year.