Understand
'They call us liars': The struggle to reapply for a blue badge
Overview
People across the UK with severe mobility issues and worsening conditions are facing complex and difficult processes when trying to renew their blue badges every three years. Applicants, including amputees and those with severe osteoarthritis, have reported being asked repeatedly for additional medical evidence despite permanent conditions, prompting concerns that the renewal system lacks common sense and places an undue burden on disabled individuals.
Key points
- Blue badges are disabled parking permits issued by local authorities that must be renewed every three years.
- Nigel Ward, an amputee from King's Lynn, was shocked to be asked for further medical evidence of his limited mobility to renew his badge.
- Valerie Chant, an 81-year-old with deteriorating mobility, faced an unending saga of requests for hospital letters during her renewal process.
- Julie, a 70-year-old with severe osteoarthritis in Southend-on-Sea, had her GP's letter rejected and felt the system questioned her honesty.
- Local authorities maintain they follow national Department for Transport guidance, which assesses eligibility based strictly on mobility and walking capability rather than disability alone.