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DPTAC's reaction to DFTs announcement on Blue Badge consultation

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT News Release (DPTAC) issued by The Government News Network on 24 January 2008

Issued on behalf of the DPTAC

Earlier today, the Government announced proposals to increase the reach of the 'Blue Badge' scheme to more disabled people and making it easier to take action against those who steal, forge or fraudulently use a Blue Badge.

The Blue Badge continues to be essential for many disabled people in going about their daily lives. DPTAC therefore generally welcomes this consultation by Government but we would also wish to see a commitment for the various measures to be translated into positive action at the earliest possible date. We would urge disabled people and organisations representing them to take this opportunity to influence the future nature and scope of the Blue Badge scheme including the formal extension of the scheme into off-street parking areas.

Notes to Editors

1. The concessions and the powers of enforcement relating to the use of the Blue Badge strictly apply only to on-street parking areas at present. However, the Blue Badge is used by public and private car park operators as a proxy to allow them meet their legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.

2. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act of 1985 to advise Government on the transport needs of all disabled people. It has a maximum of 20 members (of whom at least half must be disabled people), representing a wide range of transport interests. Members are appointed by Ministers and are unpaid, apart from the reimbursement of expenses.