News Release (17 December 2001):
DPTAC takes on major role in the review of Blue Badge Scheme of Parking Concessions for Disabled People

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) today began to co-ordinate the second stage of the review of the Blue Badge parking scheme. The Committee have been asked to consider responses to a discussion paper on the review, and make firm recommendations to the Government by spring 2002.

The discussion paper aims to encourage further discussion of the issues involved, including badge eligibility requirements, enforcement measures, administration and appeals. Copies have been sent to the major stakeholders, including national disability organisations.

Welcoming DPTAC's role in the review, DPTAC Chair Jane Wilmot OBE, said:

"We need to ensure that those disabled people, who because of their disabilities are dependent on a car to travel, are able to park close to their destination. The Blue Badge scheme of parking concessions makes a real contribution to promoting social inclusion and improving quality of life for disabled people.

"We welcome the Government's request and will be seeking to make recommendations that represent the broad consensus of disabled people, local authorities and enforcement bodies."

DPTAC will be making recommendations to the Government in April 2002 following the consultation period which starts today.

Notes to Editors

1. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act of 1985 to advise Government on the transport needs of all disabled people.

2. The Disabled Persons' Parking Badge Scheme (also known as the Orange Badge Scheme) was introduced in 1971. It is an on-street parking concession and does not apply to off-street parking.

3. In March 2000, there were 2.23 million badges on issue across the UK.

4. On April 1 2000, the badge design was changed in line with an EC recommendation to harmonise badge designs across the European Union. The new blue badges are being phased in over a three-year period as existing orange badges come up for renewal or as new applications are processed. The eligibility criteria and parking concessions were unaffected by this change.

5. Working with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions commissioned MVA Consultants to carry out the first stage of the review, which involved wide-ranging discussions with disability groups and organisations to produce the discussion paper.

6. The deadline for responses to the current consultation is 15 March 2002. The discussion paper is available on the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee website (http://www.dptac.gov.uk) or from the Secretariat on 020 7944 8011.

7. For more information on the consultation please contact the DTLR press office on 020 7944 3231.

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
Zone 1/14
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR

Direct Line: 020 7944 8011
Fax: 020 7944 6998
Minicom: 020 7944 3277
GTN Code: 3533
E-mail: dptac@dtlr.gov.uk