“Clearly, blue badges are linked to the individual and not the vehicle.
“A badge holder may travel as a driver or a passenger in any vehicle, including a taxi or minicab, allowing them to access more easily the goods and services that they need to use.
“Therefore it is not possible to flag with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) every vehicle in which a blue badge holder may travel.
“Likewise, although local authorities have access to a record of blue badge holders in their area, badges are registered to the individual and not the vehicle in which they travel.
“Notwithstanding that, our draft Low Traffic Neighbourhood guidance makes it clear that local authorities should always consider exemption from restrictions for blue badge holders, as well as for deliveries and other essential services. “It also addresses things such as emergency services.
“I do not want to read out the entirety of it, but I encourage anyone who is passionately interested or who is contemplating this matter to look at the sections on exemptions and exceptions and how the individual situation for disabled people can be improved. “The guidance sets that out in quite a lot of detail.”
Mr Opperman told a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament considering two petitions – one on LTNs, the other on an exemption for blue badge holders going into LTNs: “Tthere is no doubt that this issue has caused concern and is upsetting—and, in certain places, dividing—communities.
“It is also the case that the administration of the blue badge scheme, which dates back to section 21 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, is something that is causing genuine concern by reason of the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
“Many disabled residents, as well as groups representing the views of disabled transport users, felt that inadequate consideration had been given to their needs and the impacts of LTN schemes on disabled people.
“In addition, several LTN schemes reported by local authorities to the DfT (Department for Transport) had not carried out equality impact assessments.
“We believe we have tackled these issues through the draft guidance, which sets out clear expectations for comprehensive and in-depth local engagement and full consideration of the needs of all road users in such a scheme.
“One of the key purposes of this review is an assessment of issues in relation to what are called exemptions and exceptions. Included as part of that are vehicles exempted from restriction—generally indicated on the traffic signs; those can include permit holders, buses, taxis and disabled badge holders.
“There is a detailed section on exactly that point, and there are further sections about how implementation should take place for that. “More particularly, we are, on an ongoing basis, engaging with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee—or DPTAC—via the Local Government Association and individual local-government organisations.
“I assure the petitioners, who are the most important people here, that we are working to ensure that local authorities give proper consideration to the needs of all users and gain buy-in across the local community, in all shapes and forms, when discussing and then implementing any local authority LTN schemes.”
Marsha de Cordova (Lab, Battersea) opening the debate\ said that not all LTNs have blue badge exemptions.
“That is the focus of one of the petitions we are debating. “Although LTN schemes are different everywhere and councils have different policies for blue badge holders, disability is not a geographical issue.
“The lack of exemptions has led to there being a postcode lottery.
“Southwark council in London recently had to scrap its plans for a low-traffic neighbourhood after a backlash from residents, including local disability groups, as blue badge holders and disabled motorists would not be exempt.”
Simon Lightwood on behalf of the official Opposition said the Government’s own review on low-traffic neighbourhoods has found that of the LTNs surveyed, 38 exempted blue badge holders and 34 did not.
“On the issue of blue badges, it is a shame that, with the petitioners present, the Government have come forward with no solution to ensure that anybody who holds a blue badge is exempt from the schemes.
“Ultimately, this has been disappointing, but the conversation still needs to go on. “As we have said, low-traffic neighbourhood schemes can work if they are done properly, are led by evidence and are fully inclusive and accessible to us all.”
Question put and agreed to.Resolved, That this House has considered e-petitions 632748 and 651094 relating to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and accessibility. (Source: Hansard)
NEWS FROM CRYSTAL PALACE 