Blue Badge scheme set to expand

5.33.43pm GMT Fri 7th Dec 2007

Important changes to the Blue Badge Scheme have been welcomed by Richmond Council.

Eligibility for the scheme, which provides a range of parking benefits for disabled people who travel either as drivers or as passengers, will be extended from October 15. It will now include those with children under the age of two who need to travel with bulky medical equipment and people with severe upper limb disabilities who have difficulty operating parking meters. Also, the design of the permit will be changed to combat fraud, with the addition of a hologram and gender-specific serial numbers. Any Badges issued to residents prior to October 15 will continue to be recognised and there is no need to replace them until renewal.

Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, Cllr David Trigg, said: "The Blue Badge Scheme is a very important initiative for people with specific parking needs. I am delighted with the new measures as they ensure more people will benefit. We also welcome the new moves to combat fraud. I urge anyone who is eligible for a permit, or wants clarification on how the scheme works, to contact us."

Cllr Denise Carr, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing said: "This revised scheme reflects the Council's policies for supporting disabled people and their families and will, I believe, further improve their quality of life. I wholeheartedly back the changes."