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MSP Robertson consults on blue badge misuse law
Dennis Robertson MSP has also called for a proper appeals process for those who are refused blue badges
An MSP has launched a consultation on a proposed law to crack down on the fraudulent use of blue disabled badges.
Dennis Robertson's private members' bill would see officials being given beefed up powers to confiscate badges which are not being correctly used.
The blind MSP for Aberdeenshire West also wants a proper appeals process for applicants refused badges on eligibility grounds.
Mr Robertson said he was looking forward to hearing people's views.
The SNP politician, who is a blue badge holder, added: "Finding suitable parking spaces, particularly in towns and cities, is difficult at any time.
"However, if you have a disability it can be even more difficult to find a parking space close to your destination, whether it is for work, education or leisure."
He said there were cases of people reapplying for badges using the names of holders who had died.
Mr Robertson's proposal has had backing from the equal opportunities committee of the Scottish Parliament.
Blue badge holder Pamela Mitchell said parking for disabled could often be a difficult issue.
She explained to BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: "It is quite a big problem, you will often find people parked in disabled spaces who are clearly not disabled and when you challenge them they are pretty hostile - so it can be very difficult trying to find a parking space."
Keith Brown, Scotland's minister for transport and veterans, said the blue badge scheme was a "lifeline" for thousands of disabled people in Scotland and it made sense to consult on options for tightening enforcement powers.
He added: "This will enable consideration to be given to how best to ensure that these crucially important parking concessions are used for the purpose for which they were intended - to help severely disabled people retain their independence and live full lives."
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Comment number 39.
bartybear22nd January 2013 - 9:34
A good start would be to attack those using spaces without a badge - maybe a minimum fine of 10 times the local parking fine would help? That reduces the problem quickly and then look at the more complex issue of true eligibility and fraud/misuse. Some people who appear 'fit' may be having a good day whereas their normal state is anything but - it's not always simple to judge.
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Comment number 37.
laughingdevil22nd January 2013 - 9:29
#36
I'm all for blue badges and have several friends in dire need of them.
What isn't needed is the number of spaces that are allocated.
I would be quite happy with more parent and child (wider) spaces at the FAR end of the car-park. Just space to stick a pram by the side of the car.
But hey don't stop jumping to conclusions about the ignorance of others while showing your own!
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Comment number 21.
Ewan22nd January 2013 - 9:01
I think there is also a small minority of disabled people who are quite happy to give away their Blue badge to family and friend to abuse. I work at a government building with 17 Disabled spaces that are full from around midday, everyday. I doubt I see more than 2 or 3 people a week who look like they deserve one. Its amazing how many Transit Van Drivers are disabled these days........
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Comment number 14.
MartinFatGuts22nd January 2013 - 8:56
11. barryp
A review of ALL parking restrictions'd be a better idea. Removal of profit motive from car park charges would be a good start, & make employment of Parking Wardens by LA's illegal. Restore the idea that car parks are services not cash cows, & the need for Blue badges will disappear,
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Agreed - what did Mary Portas say in her review of the declining high streets?
Long live Amazon?
No!
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Comment number 5.
NuttyP22nd January 2013 - 8:41
Being a disabled badge holder I totally agree with what's being said here. Far too many people abuse the system and make it hard for genuine people to find a parking space they need! The sooner the law changes the better as far as I am concerned!
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