Scope responds to the Government announcement on the blue badge parking scheme
21 October 2008
Rosemary Bolinger, a trustee of disability charity Scope, said:
“This crackdown is much needed and we hope these measures will prevent persistent abuse of the blue badge scheme by acting as a powerful deterrent for the future.
“The blue badge scheme is crucial to enabling disabled people to go about their daily business and is a key means for them to enjoy the same independence as non-disabled people.
“Motorists should think carefully before they illegally park in an accessible parking bay. Whether they are intentionally abusing the system or just being inconsiderate, they are depriving a disabled person of their basic right to freedom of movement.”
Notes to the Editor:
- Read more about the story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7679921.stm (opens new window)
- Scope is a national disability charity that campaigns for disabled people achieving equality.
- Baywatch is a campaign run by Disability Now (published by Scope), the Disabled Drivers' Association, the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club and the British Polio Fellowship. It has shown that the rules are being regularly flouted at one in five disabled parking bays in supermarket car parks, which indicates the high level of fraudulent abuse of the scheme.
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