New measures to reduce the £46m annual Blue Badge fraud in the UK could make life more difficult for older people according to the head of an Oxfordshire charity for the elderly.
A crackdown on drivers who abuse the system was introduced by Transport Minister Norman Baker on January 1, making it harder to forge the badges, which make it easier for people with a disability to park. From the New Year, handwritten card badges will be phased out and replaced by an electronically printed badge, similar to a driving licence.
The badge will have a unique hologram, digital photo and serial so traffic wardens can check they are genuine through a windscreen. Badge holders will be able to apply for the new badges online using DirectGov, and access a new national helpline number. And from April, drivers will be able o report lost and stolen badges online.
But Paul Cann, chief executive of Age UK Oxfordshire, said this could disadvantage older people unfamiliar with the internet. He said: “Any move to newer technologies has to consider all users with it, including the elderly. Sixty per cent have never used the Internet, and great care has to be taken when moving features online. I agree with the idea in principle, as there has to be a good direction taken to reduce fraud and stop people behaving badly. But there also has to be help for older motorists to make the transition easy.”
It is hoped the new system will save local authorities around £20m each year, and make it easier for councils to assess who is eligible for a Blue Badge. The scheme will also be extended to more disabled children under three years of age and severely disabled armed forces personnel and veterans
Norman Baker MP said: “Motorists who pretend to be disabled to get some free parking are frankly disgraceful. Our new Blue Badge will be as secure as a banknote and anyone thinking of faking it can forget it. We are also tightening up on enforcement and eligibility so there will be no way to scam the system.”
Helen Dolphin, director of campaigns at Disabled Motoring UK, said: “The new badge design will stop badges being so easily forged and new guidance to local authorities will make the issuing of badges fairer. The blue badge is a fantastic scheme and all these changes will help ensure it will only benefit those it was intended for.”
