The Labour government has been cautioned against automatically awarding Blue Badges to drivers with ADHD, as Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander raises concerns about the scheme’s potential exploitation. The number of Blue Badges issued for hidden disabilities, such as ADHD and anxiety, has more than tripled in recent years, prompting calls for stricter assessment.
Alexander emphasized that “a diagnosis of ADHD alone should not automatically qualify someone for a Blue Badge.” She explained that each application is individually reviewed by local councils based on medical evidence to ensure only those who truly need the permits receive them.
The Blue Badge scheme remains a crucial support system for disabled individuals. However, Alexander warned that abusing the scheme is a criminal offense and undermines the intended support for genuine recipients. Local authorities possess strong enforcement powers to investigate abuse and take appropriate action where necessary.
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Last year, councils across England issued 55,000 Blue Badges for hidden disabilities, a sharp increase from 18,000 in 2021. The cost of a Blue Badge is up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, and free in Wales, with badges typically valid for up to three years. Applicants must reapply before expiry, and replacement badges for lost or damaged permits require a different process.
For those applying without qualifying benefits, the local council assesses the application thoroughly. Applicants with mobility difficulties or non-visible disabilities need to provide detailed information about how their condition impacts walking and journeys between their vehicle and destination. Supporting documents such as prescription notes, diagnosis letters, or correspondence from healthcare professionals may be requested.
Eligibility also extends to individuals with severe disabilities affecting both arms who cannot use parking machines and regularly drive, as well as parents of children under three with medical conditions requiring bulky medical equipment or immediate access to a vehicle for emergency treatment.