Blue Badge major update means they can be used in new places
The UK Government has announced changes to how UK Blue Badge holders can use their permits during the summer months. Following revised guidance by the Department of Transport, disabled motorists are now able to use their badges in some countries overseas.
The Labour Party update confirmed that drivers with a disability parking permit may find acceptance across more than 25 European nations. The updated rules will benefit approximately 2.8 million UK Blue Badge holders who plan to travel abroad this year.
There are more 235,700 Blue Badge holders in Scotland.
However, France may not recognise non-EU permits.
The DfT stated: "We recommend that you carry any supporting documentation that may be required, such as a doctor's note or a translation of your Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules.", reports Birmingham Live.
It noted that local authorities remain responsible for determining the recognition of UK Blue Badges throughout Spain. Individuals with disabilities may secure, renew, or possess extraordinary driving licences depending on adaptations, restrictions, or additional limitations concerning persons, vehicles, or traffic circumstances that might prove essential in each instance.
Spain states that motorists from other nations using Spanish roads must adhere to the requirements specified in their driving licences. It explains: "Wheelchair users, people with walking difficulty, people with vision impairment, people with mental health issues, and people with learning disabilities."
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"The parking card is granted to people for which an impossibility to perform by themselves a number of basic vital tasks has been certified. Please note that parking cards might be granted to people with no driver's license."
Parking allowances differ across each nation, the DfT explains, with details accessible through parking card for people with disabilities in the European Union, and the FIA guide for the disabled traveller: using parking permits, cards and placards in the EU and EEA.
We recently told how more than 235,700 Blue Badge holders in Scotland may not be aware of a little-known travel boost the permit can unlock. People with a disability living in Scotland may be entitled to free bus journeys with the National Entitlement Card.
While eligibility criteria is usually associated with - but not limited to - the level of award for a disability benefit such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance, people with a Blue Badge may also qualify.
Guidance on the Transport Scotland website states you just need your Blue Badge, or your latest V11 vehicle licensing reminder from DVLA or DLA404 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), when you apply for the National Entitlement Card.
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