“Blue badge changes make Welsh scheme best in UK” says Cynon AM

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells has welcomed the Welsh Government’s expansion of the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales, stating that the changes will now make the Welsh eligibility criteria the widest in the UK.

Under the changes to the scheme, which provides parking concessions to people with disabilities, people experiencing temporary but substantial  injuries or illness will be eligible for inclusion.

Examples of this may include people recovering from complex leg fractures, strokes or head injuries that have impacted on mobility, spinal trauma, serious illness where the  treatment may be debilitating, for example  treatment for cancer, and severe functional leg  impairments linked to joint replacement.

Vikki Howells AM said:

“From cases brought to me since I was elected, I know there has been frustration that people affected by serious conditions such as strokes or cancer have not been eligible for the support provided by the Blue Badge Scheme.

“Now, they will be able to apply for temporary 12 month blue badges.

“This is a sensible yet innovative adjustment brought in by the Welsh Government, and it now means Wales has the broadest eligibility of any part of the UK”.

The changes commenced from 1 October 2016. Applications are processed by local authorities. For information on the scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf, please go to: http://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/ParkingRoadsandTravel/Parking/Bluebadgeparkingpermit.aspx.