New online Blue Badge parking bay map launched
A new interactive online service was launched today on the DirectGov website, which will make it much easier for disabled people to find Blue Badge scheme parking bays in 64 cities across the UK.
This mapping facility is the first of its kind and will enable people to search by postcode or town/area name for designated Blue Badge parking bays, parking bays that fall on red routes in London and accessible petrol stations. The service will also outline any time restrictions or special notices that apply to individual allocated Blue Badge parking bays.
Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, speaking about the launch of the service, said today:
"Disabled people need to be supported to live life independently in the community, at work and at leisure. That is why I am delighted that this interactive tool should really make a difference. For many disabled people who do drive or are a passenger, knowing where they will be able to park will enable them to take part in day to day activities that non-disabled people take for granted. This service will help many people a great deal."
Transport Minister Gillian Merron added:
"We want everyone who is entitled to use a Blue Badge to benefit from a user-friendly and properly enforced system. Together with our recent steps to stamp out fraud, this innovative service will help badge holders, whether drivers or passengers, get more out of the scheme."
The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of parking benefits for disabled people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or as passengers. The concessions apply to on-street parking and include free use of parking meters and pay-and-display bays and are administered through local authorities.