Bliue Badge Scheme Abuse, Should our local authorities do more? Options

[Biker1]

The theft and abuse of blue badges is on the increase.
Link.
Is this a major issue and should we be doing more to prevent it locally?
Personally I think it is heavily abused to a greater extent than we are told and this annoys me greatly.
Is there a method of reporting perceived abuse locally?

[blackdog]

Disabled people are not necessarily poor people - why does a blue badge automatically mean free parking? Should there be two colours - one giving free parking the other giving access to the parking spots, but with the need to pay the same as the able bodied?

[Andy Capp]

Disabled people are not necessarily poor people - why does a blue badge automatically mean free parking? Should there be two colours - one giving free parking the other giving access to the parking spots, but with the need to pay the same as the able bodied?

I suspect the idea is to reduce unnecessary manoeuvres (going to a pay machine).

[blackdog]

I suspect the idea is to reduce unnecessary manoeuvres (going to a pay machine).

Fair point - but only applies to those capable of driving. Many blue badges are used by able bodied people chauffeuring the disabled - they are capable of using a pay machine.

[Andy Capp]

Fair point - but only applies to those capable of driving. Many blue badges are used by able bodied people chauffeuring the disabled - they are capable of using a pay machine.

Then I would imagine the cost of administering means testing has little or no cost benefit.

[blackdog]

Then I would imagine the cost of administering means testing has little or no cost benefit.

There needn't be any cost - not receiving disability benefits then you don't get free parking.

The idea is to somehow reduce the value of the badges, making theft and abuse less prevalent. Perhaps even split the function - blue badge allows you to use the parking bays, parking permit gives free parking - you might get both, but many wouldn't.

[Andy Capp]

There needn't be any cost - not receiving disability benefits then you don't get free parking.

The idea is to somehow reduce the value of the badges, making theft and abuse less prevalent. Perhaps even split the function - blue badge allows you to use the parking bays, parking permit gives free parking - you might get both, but many wouldn't.

Your original argument was that some people can afford to park and they should pay; therefore, you will have to have a means test, so there will be a cost to that.

[blackdog]

Your original argument was that some people can afford to park and they should pay; therefore, you will have to have a means test, so there will be a cost to that.

Isn't the means testing is already done to qualify for benefits?