A positive change to the Blue Badge scheme comes into play today (Friday), as people with hidden disabilities will be eligible for a permit. But a new study reveals dedicated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are already at breaking point in the South East.
New data shows there are 22 Blue Badge holders in the South East battling for 1 dedicated council-owned parking space, on average. With more people eligible for Blue Badges under the new criteria, this shortage is only likely to worsen. Under the scheme, drivers with hidden disabilities in England will be eligible for a Blue Badge, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces are available for badge holders, as they’re often located closer to entrances or offer more room to get in and out of the car. However, new data obtained by Confused.com found that many drivers are abusing this luxury. Last year, more than 21,000 parking charge notices (PCN) were issued to drivers in the South East for wrongly parking in a Blue Badge parking space.
Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, says:
“Clearly more parking for Blue Badge holders is needed – 22 Blue Badge holders to one dedicated parking space in the South East is quite a challenge. It’s no wonder some of these drivers have had to park elsewhere. And the number of people competing for spaces is only going to grow as more people can apply for a Blue Badge now.
“Drivers who misuse these spaces are making the problem even worse. They should be more respectful and leave them free for those who need them.
“If you think you might be eligible for a Blue Badge but are confused about what the criteria is, we’ve outlined the new rules in our guide. We always recommend getting in touch with your council for full details.”
Top reasons drivers have wrongly used a Blue Badge parking space:
- I was only going to be quick (36%)
- There were plenty of Blue Badge spaces available (28%)
- I couldn’t find another space (24%)
There would also be more space available for genuine Blue badge holders, if certain individuals weren’t playing the system and getting a blue badge as part of their life long, strategy to avoid getting a job and supporting themselves through their own efforts, instead of sponging of the state, like the burdensome leeches that they are.