Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has she made of the (a) adequacy of the application process, (b) financial cost of the application and (c) potential impact of time restrictions on the (i) uptake and (ii) utility to users of (A) Blue Badges, (B) Disabled Person’s Bus Passes and (C) other forms of disability-related transport support available to qualifying people.

The Blue Badge scheme helps people with significant mobility issues - both visible and hidden - park closer to their destination, whether they’re drivers or passengers. It offers national on-street parking concessions, including free and time-unlimited parking in restricted areas and up to three hours on yellow lines (unless loading restrictions apply). Local authorities manage the scheme, while the Department manages and supports improvements to the digital application process.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel for eligible disabled people and those of state pension age. The scheme costs around £700 million annually, and any changes must consider financial sustainability. A recent review included travel times for disabled passholders, and next steps are being considered. Local authorities administer ENCTS and may offer additional concessions at their own expense.

The Disabled Persons Railcard offers a third off rail fares for the cardholder and a companion, with over 348,000 in circulation as of March 2025. It is valid during peak times and provides excellent value. A review of the scheme has been completed, and any updates will be announced shortly.