38 disabled badge holders to one council-owned parking space

Disabled blue badge holder may be dismayed to hear there are 38 Blue Badge holders to one council-owned parking space according to new data obtained through Freedom of Information requests by Confused.com.

Since the scheme was updated in England, there have been more than 35,000 applications for Blue Badges under the ‘hidden disability’ criteria.

However, only 1,800 new dedicated parking spaces have been added in the past 12 months to accommodate disabled badge holders, suggesting the demand for a parking spot is now greater than before. If you have a space due to disability from multiple sclerosis (MS), you may find it’s becoming harder to find a space to park.

With more conditions now included in the scheme, further research by Confused.com has found that many drivers are unsure who would or wouldn’t be eligible. To help make it clearer for people, Confused.com has compiled the criteria in a guide to applying for a Blue Badge.

Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, says: “Opening up the Blue Badge scheme to people with hidden disabilities is really positive move. But it’s clear there’s a need for more parking – 38 Blue Badge holders to one space is going to create a lot of issues for these drivers.

Although, the issue is made worse by people taking advantage. The rules are clear. if you aren’t a Blue Badge holder, you don’t use the dedicated space”