The Transport Secretary has led criticism of the Blue Badge scheme, warning that drivers with ADHD should not automatically qualify for a parking permit. The Labour government is facing pressure to tighten rules amid fears the scheme is being exploited.
Surge in Hidden Disability Permits
The number of Blue Badges issued for hidden conditions, including ADHD and anxiety, has trebled in just a few years. Last year, councils across England handed out 55,000 permits for so-called hidden disabilities, up from 18,000 in 2021.
Transport Secretary's Warning
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told The Telegraph: “A diagnosis of ADHD alone should not get you a blue badge.” She emphasised that each application must be assessed on its own merits, with local councils making decisions based on medical evidence.
Alexander described the Blue Badge as a “vital lifeline” for disabled people and warned that abusing the scheme is a “criminal offence and undermines the support for the people this scheme is there to help.” She added that local authorities have robust powers to investigate suspected abuse and take enforcement action.
How the Blue Badge Scheme Works
A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, but is free in Wales. Permits usually last up to three years, and holders must reapply before expiry. If replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged badge that is not expiring within three months, a different service must be used.
Applications without automatic qualifying benefits are assessed by the issuing local council. Applicants must provide extra information depending on their eligibility answers. For those who cannot walk or have difficulty walking, or have a non-visible condition, details such as prescriptions, diagnosis letters, or correspondence between professionals are required. Questions also cover how the condition affects walking or journeys between vehicle and destination.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify for a badge if you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly but cannot operate pay-and-display machines, or if you have a child under three with a medical condition requiring bulky equipment or needing to be kept near a vehicle for emergency treatment.
The government is reviewing the scheme to ensure it supports those who genuinely need it, while preventing exploitation.
