Overview
- In a January 5 written response, roads minister Simon Lightwood said Parkinson's disease does not automatically qualify for a Blue Badge because criteria focus on how a condition affects mobility.
- Applicants with Parkinson's or other fluctuating conditions may still receive a badge if evidence shows substantial and enduring mobility impairment, with final decisions made by local authorities.
- The minister underscored that councils have statutory powers under Part IV of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to mark bays, issue local permits and use Traffic Regulation Orders to reserve spaces.
- Councils may set up voluntary temporary parking concessions to support people recovering from major surgery or serious illness, with the cost and terms decided locally.
- MPs have pressed for wider reforms, including for pension-age applicants, but no national eligibility change has been announced since the 2019 expansion to cover many ‘invisible’ disabilities.