Thousands and thousands of individuals throughout the UK with a bodily incapacity, well being situation, or a hidden sickness akin to dementia, autism or Parkinson's Illness which impacts their strolling capability, maintain a Blue Badge to assist them or their designated driver park nearer to the locations they should go. In Scotland, round 235,779 folks have a Blue Badge, whereas the quantity is considerably increased in England, at 2.29 million.
Nonetheless, disabled drivers at the moment are being warned about utilizing their Blue Badges in fashionable European vacation locations this summer season as a result of an “outrageous” Brexit hangover which means they is probably not accepted.
The UK Authorities has informed badge-holders to “verify with the embassy of the nation you're travelling to for the most recent developments”. Ministers are nonetheless negotiating with 11 nations on the standing of UK Blue Badges, which have been recognised throughout the EU till the nation left the union two years in the past.
France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy are among the many international locations nonetheless “undecided” about whether or not UK Blue Badges can be recognised, in keeping with the UK Authorities web site. The others are Iceland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania and Slovenia.
The AA has stated disabled drivers could go away themselves open to parking fines in the event that they use their permits in these international locations because it criticised the “merely unacceptable” state of affairs.
However the motoring affiliation stated consulates had insisted they might not concern recommendation to disabled drivers till an settlement was reached.
Jack Cousens, head of roads coverage for the AA, stated: “To maintain Blue Badge customers in limbo is solely unacceptable. Blue Badges are issued due to particular well being causes, and to not have their standing confirmed two years down the road is solely outrageous.
“Slightly than take an opportunity, we might encourage Blue Badge customers to make use of drop-off and assortment zones the place potential whereas the automotive is parked in a non-disabled bay."
He continued: “Whereas problematic, it reduces the chance of a automobile being given a ticket or towed away. Whereas the Authorities web site asks Blue Badge customers to ask the consulates for additional recommendation on if their Blue Badge could be accepted, most couldn't present any assurances or recommendation to the AA.
“Each the UK Authorities and the 11 European nations but to ratify the standing of UK-issued Blue bBadges must resolve the matter urgently and supply readability for all involved.”
A Division for Transport spokesperson stated: “Negotiations on Blue Badge recognition are ongoing between the UK and particular person EU states, and motorists ought to verify our steerage to seek out out the place the Blue Badge is recognised within the EU.”
Discover out extra about utilizing your Blue Badge within the European Union on the GOV.UK web site, right here.
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