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Department for Transport Calls on Councils to Extend Blue Badge Concessions to Temporary Disabilities

Local authorities can already grant parking privileges for short-term impairments using existing regulations pending a formal scheme update.

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Overview

  • The Department for Transport has advised councils they may offer Blue Badge benefits for temporary conditions, citing powers previously used for elderly parking concessions.
  • Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood reaffirmed that the scheme’s core purpose remains to assist those with long-term disabilities.
  • More than 3.2 million people hold Blue Badges in the UK, with automatic eligibility for those receiving the highest mobility rate in PIP, ADP, CDP or DLA.
  • While a comprehensive review of the Blue Badge scheme proceeds, drivers with short-term mobility issues can apply through their local council for parking concessions.
  • Applications are handled by local authorities, typically taking around 12 weeks for processing and with councils setting the fee and final eligibility criteria.