- UK issued Blue Badges not accepted in France, Spain, Italy,
Portugal and Greece
- Consulates unable to provide advice to drivers, despite UK
Government telling drivers to ask them
- AA slams position as “simply unacceptable”
The AA are warning people planning to use their Blue Badge abroad
this summer, that they could leave themselves open to parking
fines as it may not be accepted overseas.
Popular holiday destinations of France, Spain, Italy, Portugal
and Greece are among 11 European nations yet to decide if a UK
issued Blue Badge is to be recognised*. Other nations where a UK
Blue Badge may not be accepted are; Bulgaria, Iceland, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Romania and Slovenia.
Disabled people heading to the continent over the summer holidays
need to check if their Blue Badge will be valid. However,
research by the AA’s European Breakdown Department** suggests
that it will not be accepted at all in 11 nations where there is
no reciprocal arrangement.
That means Blue Badge users leave themselves open to parking
tickets, or their car being towed away if they used them in a
disabled parking space. Following the advice of the government to
contact the Consulates in question, many could not advise what
action Blue Badge users should take when parking until an
agreement was reached.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “To keep
Blue Badge users in limbo is simply unacceptable. Blue
Badges are issued because of specific health reasons and to not
have their status confirmed two years down the line is simply
outrageous.
“Rather than take a chance, we would encourage Blue Badge users
to use drop-off and collection zones where possible while the car
is parked in a non-disabled bay. While problematic, it reduces
the risk of a vehicle being given a ticket or towed away. While
the government website asks Blue Badge users to ask the
Consulates for further advice on if their Blue Badge would be
accepted, most could not provide any assurances or advice to the
AA.
“Both the UK Government and the 11 European nations yet to ratify
the status of UK issues Blue Badges need to resolve the matter
urgently and provide clarity for all concerned.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-using-it-in-the-eu/using-a-blue-badge-in-the-european-union
** https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover
