What we have done

The Blue Badge Scheme was introduced by regulations made under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 (see 'Legislation' section).

The Blue Badge replaced the original orange badge which was phased out in March 2003. The new blue design has been adopted by European Union Member States to enable disabled people to enjoy the concessions provided in the host country by displaying the badge issued under their own national scheme.

A public consultation on the Scheme was undertaken in 2002 and resulted in 47 recommendations from the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. The majority of these recommendations have since been implemented, for example, in October 2007 the Scheme was extended to children under two, with specific medical conditions and the design of the Blue Badge was changed to help prevent fraud and abuse of the Scheme. At the same time, a new public advice booklet for Badge holders was published "The Blue Badge Scheme: rights and responsibilities", together with a new information leaflet "Can I get a Blue Badge?" (see “Publications and other resources” section).

In January 2008 the Department for Transport issued new guidance to English local authorities on administering and enforcing the Scheme and launched a new ‘Centres of Excellence fund’ to improve the administration and enforcement of the Scheme (see “Information for local authorities” section).

The DfT appointed an independent consultant, Rob Smith, to conduct a short strategic review of the Scheme between May and September 2007. The review findings and initial DfT response to the review are available below.

The DfT consulted (between, 24 January 2008 – 17 April 2008), on this response to help inform the development of a Comprehensive Blue Badge Reform Strategy.  A summary of the responses to the consultation can be viewed below.

In addition, the Transport Select Committee held an inquiry into the Scheme to help inform the development of the Strategy.  The Committee published its report, with a number of recommendations on 10 June 2008.  A Copy of the report can be viewed on their website at: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmtran/475/47502.htm

The Government’s response to the Transport Select Committee’s report has now been sent to the Committee and will be available on their website in due course.

For future developments please see the section "What are we doing to reform the scheme?".

Summary of responses to the January 2008 consultation document (102 kb)

Prior to producing the strategy the Department held a public consultation exercise. This is a summary of the responses received.

Published:

20 October 2008

The Strategic Review of the Blue Badge Scheme: An independent report by Rob Smith, 2007 (422 kb)

This document contains the findings of a short independent strategic review of the Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme, which was conducted between May and September 2007.

Published:

24 January 2008

The Strategic Review of the Blue Badge Scheme: An independent report by Rob Smith, 2007

This document contains the findings of a short independent strategic review of the Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme, which was conducted between May and September 2007.

Published:

24 January 2008

DfT response to the independent strategic review of the Blue Badge Scheme (48 kb)

This document contains the Department for Transports response to an independent strategic review of the Blue Badge Scheme, which was conducted between May and September 2007 and is also available on the DfT website.

Published:

24 January 2008