Andrew Dismore

Blue Badges

Question No: 2632 / 2012

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree with Barnet Council’s new policy of charging for blue badges and will you make representations to Barnet Council against their plan to charge disabled residents for Blue Badge parking permits?

Written response from the Mayor

I understand that the London Borough of Barnet has consulted on a proposal to charge £10 for the issue of a Blue Badge valid for three years, as part of a package of proposed changes to transport services for people with mobility problems.  The responses to the consultation are now being evaluated and the proposal is not policy.

I have no power to specify whether a fee should be charged, or the level of the fee, as the regulations governing the Blue Badge Scheme are set by the Department for Transport and give local authorities the discretion to charge a fee on the issue of a badge. This fee cannot exceed £10.