Eligibility for disabled parking bays to extend to people who are of state pension age
The UK Government has confirmed that local councils have the power to designate parking bays for specific purposes. This may include dedicated parking spaces for pensioners who are not in receipt of the mobility component of a qualifying benefit under the Motability or Blue Badge schemes.
Labour MP Sojan Joseph recently asked the UK Government whether an “assessment of the potential merits of extending eligibility for disabled parking bays for people who are of state pension age with mobility issues but are not in receipt of the higher rate of DLA (Disability Living Allowance) or PIP (Personal Independence Payment).
In a written response, Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Part IV of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 provides local authorities with powers to mark out bays for specific purposes, issue local parking permits, and use Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to reserve spaces for specific purposes.”
The Minister added: “This can be a voluntary local scheme, and the cost and nature of the concession would be for the local authority to decide.”
It’s worth noting that these matters are devolved to the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland, but there have been several calls in recent months for a mobility element to be added to pension age disability benefits to enable older people to access the Blue Badge and Motability Schemes.
Those with a physical disability or health condition that affects their ability to walk safely, or have a hidden condition such as dementia or Parkinson’s, may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to places.
A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or a passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions.
There are currently more than 235,700 Blue Badge holders living in Scotland and in many cases, people will automatically qualify for the £20 parking permit. An estimated 3.2 million people benefit from the scheme across the UK.
This includes those on the higher level of the mobility rate for PIP, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and DLA.
However, the Scottish Government has published a comprehensive list of circumstances which could see people with walking issues or parents caring for a disabled child, qualify for a Blue Badge.
Applications for a Blue Badge can be made online, but the guidance advises that people with a mental condition need to contact their local council directly.
