While Government’s desire to extend “Blue Badge” parking facilities to those who suffer from Mental Health disorder and such other hidden illnesses, like dementia, anxiety, depression, stress and autism, a few among many such illnesses which may not be visible, indeed hidden illnesses, is commendable and long overdue. So often these hidden disabilities can be as debilitating as physical ones. There are some four million people suffering from these hidden health disorders but only a tiny proportion may apply, yet there will be a considerable increase in number of badge holders.
Government knows well that these measures, akin to “Ride a Tiger of Populism” will go down well among patients and their family members, friends, carers and others directly involved in their wellbeing but it may create chronic shortages of parking spaces designated for Blue Badge holders. The scheme was first introduced way back in 1970 with only a tiny minority of people holding these badges, now the figure stands at 2:4 million, mainly due to longevity and sharp increase in pension-age population.
It has also become most popular concession for elderly, children with disabilities and sufferers of chronic illnesses, as the badge enables them to visit shops, GP surgeries, pharmacy, as well as supermarkets that provide such facilities as a routine concession. Many disabled people would be confined to their homes without such facilities that give them mobility and keeps them away from depression, especially in our dark, gloomy and bitterly cold winter months.
Unfortunately some family members and friends misuse this concession to get free parking, knowing well that hardly any one checks the misuse of these badges, many Councils do not have even a policy to prosecute these offenders, as cash-strapped Councils could not afford additional traffic wardens to supervise, catch and prosecute these habitual offenders. Even the theft of Blue Badge has risen sharply, as they can be easily sold on the black market, fetching up to £200.
The same applies to Supermarket parking, especially near the entrance, routinely occupied by shoppers without displaying Blue Badge. Even when these disabled people complain, Supermarket turns a deaf ear, a blind eye, not willing to displease, lose the patronage of these high spending customers. As usual, money always speaks louder than honesty!
Kumudini Valambia
By email
