Review of Blue Badge fraud as scheme is extended to those with ‘hidden disabilities’– AA comments

Commenting on the proposed extension of Blue Badge’s to those with ‘hidden disabilities’, Edmund King, AA president says; “Non-physical disabilities can be just a debilitating as physical disabilities, and we welcome this long overdue announcement.

“We regularly say we need to treat and discuss mental and physical health equally. Expanding the Blue Badge scheme in this way can only be a good thing.

“However, we are concerned that two fifths (40%*) of English councils do not have a policy of prosecuting those who fraudulently use a Blue Badge. This is an ideal opportunity to get all local authorities to implement the law.

“Those tempted to falsely use a Blue Badge need to think again.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

* 59% of English local authorities had a policy to prosecute misuse of the Blue Badge scheme in 2017/18 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/759944/blue-badge-scheme-statistics-2018.pdf