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?

[Andy Capp]

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

Yes, but then you have to assess the means to pay and wouldn't each candidate need verification/investigating?

I'm in agreement with you in principle, but often the ability to pay issue is lumbered with a costly administrative overhead.

[blackdog]

Yes, but then you have to assess the means to pay and wouldn't each candidate need verification/investigating?

I'm in agreement with you in principle, but often the ability to pay issue is lumbered with a costly administrative overhead.

I guess I see the free parking aspect as an extention of disability benefit - so I don't see why those not in need of financial support because of their disability should get this benefit. Let's face it, those on job seekers allowance, tax credits or other benefits have to pay for parking - ability to pay is not an issue there.

To me the argument regarding the inability to use payment machines is far stronger than any financial issue.

It is also worth noting that several Newbury car parks charge for parking, blue badge or not - so free parking is not a right.

I should also note that I am not against Simon's approach of free parking for all!

[Berkshirelad]

I guess I see the free parking aspect as an extention of disability benefit - so I don't see why those not in need of financial support because of their disability should get this benefit. Let's face it, those on job seekers allowance, tax credits or other benefits have to pay for parking - ability to pay is not an issue there.

To me the argument regarding the inability to use payment machines is far stronger than any financial issue.

It is also worth noting that several Newbury car parks charge for parking, blue badge or not - so free parking is not a right.

I should also note that I am not against Simon's approach of free parking for all!

A blue badge is not just about free parking or otherwise. It permits parking on yellow lines - the idea being to minimise the distance from the holder's ultimate destination.

I used to drive my late mother who had a blue badge - I as allowed to park on yellow lines to 'unload' her and her walker/mobility scooter, but then had to move to ;normal; parking.

Don't forget, a blue badge is only for use on the public highway or council controlled off road parking. They are meaningless in places like the retail park or Sainsbury's. This is stated clearly on the badge.

I do not hold a blue badge, but I am legally disabled within the meaning of the Equalities Act - 'disabled' spaces in private car parks are fair game. At Tesco, the disabled spaces are further from the store entrance than normal or parent/child space.

Also, just an afterthought, most pay & display machines are too high for a wheelchair user.