Transport Minister asked questions about Blue Badge by Annette Brooke MP

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, yesterday asked Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Norman Baker about national guidelines for blue badges during Transport Oral Questions. Annette asked the question as she currently has difficulty walking and getting in and out of cars following an accident. It is not presently possible to get temporary blue badges, and Annette asked what the Government and local authorities could do in the future to address this problem.

Mr Baker informed Annette that one of the downsides of temporary blue badges would be tremendous pressure on the limited number of parking spaces available. He told the Commons that he had issued an advice note to local authorities in June indicating how they might deal with locally determined concessions to deal with such situations.

Annette said: "Many people suffering from temporary mobility problems caused by accidents are currently not eligible for a blue badge, meaning that they are forced to park further away from entrances and in very tight spaces. Having experienced the difficulties of getting out of a car with a mobility restriction, I understand how frustrating it can be when there are specific disabled spaces free and yet they cannot be used. I will continue to push on this issue and am preparing to put together an action plan for Government and local authorities with guidance on how this problem could be solved."

Full question:

Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): What recent changes he has made to the national guidelines on the issue of blue badges. [

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Norman Baker): The Department has recently updated its non-statutory guidance for local authorities to reflect reforms to the blue badge system. One of the main issues with the scheme concerned local authority administration, which was inconsistent and inefficient. The updated guidance aims to improve consistency and to remind local authorities of the eligibility criteria set out in the regulations. Local authorities remain responsible for taking decisions about an applicant's eligibility for a blue badge.

Annette Brooke: I thank the Minister for his answer. Many people such as me who have difficulty walking-seven months after an accident-and even more difficulty getting in and out of a car in an ordinary car parking space, look longingly at empty disabled car parking spaces and yet cannot get a temporary blue badge. What can and will the Government and local councils do to address this situation for the future?

Norman Baker: I am very sympathetic to my hon. Friend and understand the case she makes. I have looked at the temporary issuing of badges for the sort of situation that she describes. One of the downsides would be tremendous pressure on the limited number of parking spaces available. In June this year I issued an advice note to local authorities indicating how they might deal with locally determined concessions to deal with such situations, and I suggest that she pursue the matter with Poole unitary authority.