WIREDGOV

Valuable online Blue Badge map service improved

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS News Release (Ref: DRC-070) issued by The Government News Network on 9 April 2008

The online Blue Badge map service, which makes it much easier for disabled people to find places to park, has now been significantly improved. The map on the Directgov website, produced by the Office for Disability Issues, was first launched in July 2006 on whttp://www.direct.gov.uk. It was the first of its kind originally covering 64 cities and large towns. A further 37 have now been added, more are still being rolled out, and by the end of April the total will reach 119.

Users can search by postcode or town/area name for designated Blue Badge parking bays, parking bays that fall on red routes in London as well as accessible stations, toilets and petrol stations. Blue Badge holders can also find out more about rules for street parking, including time restrictions and any special notices.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said:

"Disabled people need the same access to jobs, services and social networks as everyone else. Therefore they need the same transport and personal mobility opportunities as the rest of the population. Providing clear, up to date information improves disabled people's ability to travel as they wish. I am very pleased that this valuable service has now been extended."

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:

"I am delighted with the improved Blue Badge map, and the considerable benefits that it can offer to disabled people. The Blue Badge Scheme itself provides crucial support for those with severe walking difficulties or upper limb impairment or who are registered blind. It allows them to park closer to their destinations, whether they are driving or travelling as passengers, and so makes everyday tasks such as shopping or medical appointments much easier."

The new version also includes:

* Extra information for Blue Badge holders on shared use bays, residents' parking bays and time restrictions for single and double yellow lines.

* More information on train station and airport accessibility; shopmobility sites, and accessible beaches

* Improved map graphics and better search facilities, where users can find out information by inputting their postcode, street name or local area.

The Blue Badge Scheme is administered through local authorities. Concessions apply to on-street parking and include free use of parking meters and pay-and-display bays.

The Department for Transport will develop a comprehensive Blue Badge reform strategy by summer 2008. This will help to make the Scheme itself fairer, more consistent, tougher on fraud and easier to understand.

Notes for editors:

1. The Blue Badge Scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. While the scheme operates throughout the UK, there are small variations in its application in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Blue Badge map can be viewed at http://www.direct.gov.uk/bluebadgem ap and more general information for disabled people at http://www.direct.gov.uk/disability

2. 37 new areas now available are:

Ayr Grimsby Oldham St Austell Barnsley Huddersfield Penzance Stockport Barnstaple Ipswich Peterborough Taunton Blackburn Lancaster Poole Walsall Bracknell Lisburn Preston Warrington Burnley Londonderry Rochdale West Bromwich Chelmsford Macclesfield Rotherham Wolverhampton Chesterfield Newcastle Under Lyme Shewsbury Darlington Newport (Isle of Wight) Slough Falmouth Newquay Southend

3. The following 18 areas will be added on 18 April:

Basingstoke Luton Romford St Helens Bolton Maidstone Salford Telford Chichester Margate Scunthorpe Wakefield Doncaster Newport (Gwent) Solihull Weymouth Gateshead Northampton

4. The original 64 cities covered were:

Aberdeen Derby Leeds Salisbury Bath Dover Leicester Scarborough Belfast Dundee Lincoln Sheffield Birmingham Durham Liverpool Southampton Blackpool Eastbourne London Stoke on Trent Bournemouth Edinburgh Manchester Stratford upon Avon Bradford Exeter Middlesbrough Sunderland Brighton Folkestone Milton Keynes Swansea Bristol Glasgow Newcastle upon Tyne Swindon Cambridge Gloucester Norwich Torquay Canterbury Guildford Nottingham Watford Cardiff Harrogate Oxford Weston Super Mare Carlisle Hastings Perth Winchester Cheltenham Hereford Plymouth Windsor Chester Inverness Portsmouth Worcester Coventry Kingston upon Hull Reading York

5. Directgov, the government's flagship digital service, brings together the widest range of public service information and services in one place; available on mobile, digital television and the website http://www.direct.gov.uk

Directgov is the largest cross government initiative, joining up central and local government's service delivery in a way that is easy to use and all in one place for citizens. It has been part of the Department for Work and Pensions since April 2008.

Launched in April 2004, Directgov now attracts more than 7 million visits a month. The site also provides access to government directories, as well as links to relevant third parties who can offer additional trusted advice and support.

Textphone: 020 3267 5145
Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk