Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to take steps to make it easier for blue badge holders to park in town and city centres.

Responsibility for traffic management on local roads and the provision or restriction of on-street parking, rests with the relevant local authority as they are best placed to consider how to balance the needs of residents, emergency services, local businesses and those who work in and visit the area. Local authorities are also responsible for ensuring their roads are managed in a way which meets the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010.

The Blue Badge Scheme is a national scheme, the scope and legal parameters of which are set nationally by the Government. Blue Badges are recognised throughout the UK. The provisions granted under the Scheme convey several on-street parking concessions such as being able to park for up to three hours on yellow lines, provided there are no bans on loading or unloading in force, and free of charge and without time limit at on-street parking meters and pay-and-display areas.

The Blue Badge is not, however, a licence to park anywhere. Badge holders are not entitled to park in places where it would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users otherwise, they may be prosecuted or have their badge withdrawn. The Department is currently not intending to make any changes to this.