Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.  To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Customer Service, Welfare and the Public Realm]

The Cabinet Member for Customer Service, Welfare and the Public Realm introduced the report which sought approval for the adoption of the Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Enforcement Policy.

RESOLVED that Cabinet

1.         Adopts the Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Enforcement Policy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Reasons for decision

The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for the legislation that sets out the framework for the National Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme including, amongst other things, the eligibility criteria, maximum fee, design of the badge and the manner in which it should be displayed. The DfT also issues non-statutory guidance in order to share good practice.

Local authorities are responsible for managing local delivery of the scheme. This involves the day-to-day administration of policies and procedures, supporting the assessment process, local provisions, and enforcement of the scheme.

The benefits of undertaking enforcement action against the fraudulent use of Blue Badges are varied and far-reaching. They include:

·      More space for those legitimately accessing the scheme: kerb space is limited, so parking spaces must be made available for those with severe disabilities to support them in accessing local facilities, maintaining independence and being active members of their communities.

·      Better management of the kerbside: as people are discouraged from using prime locations as long-stay parking, this means a greater turnover of visitors to high streets.

·      Improved traffic management and better air quality: for many, fraudulent use of the Blue Badge makes driving and parking a car affordable. By taking this advantage away, they may be forced to switch to public transport and active travel, reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

A formal policy will provide clarity for residents and officers regarding action the Council will take in dealing with abuse of the Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing. The Council has undertaken ad-hoc enforcement of abuse of the Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme for several years. This informal arrangement has helped develop knowledge and understanding of the practicalities of enforcing relevant legislation. It has also helped build relationships with key partners and shape the proposed policy. A failure to adopt a formal policy will leave residents uninformed of the actions the Council will take to prevent and deal with abuse of the Scheme. It would also likely result in no prosecutions and no strong deterrent(s) to continued misuse.