Consideration is being given to whether the Disabled Parking (Blue Badge) Scheme is meeting peoples needs and whether it has been exposed to violation and fraud.  The Department for Transport wish to hear people’s views about the scheme.  Issues up for consideration include whether:

• the Scheme should be extended to, for example, parents of severely disabled children 
• parking close to essential amenities and services continues to be available to those that need it most
• there needs to be more crack downs on those who steal, forge or fraudulently use Blue Badges
• the design of the Badge needs to be improved to prevent forgery
• parking attendants should have the power the power to confiscate Blue Badges that have been stolen, forged or are being fraudulently used.

John Mann MP welcomed the consultation saying “I believe that the Blue Badge Scheme should be fit for purpose. It must help those that need the Badge to improve their mobility and independence, but also be robust enough to prevent abuse of the scheme”. 

He added "I want those in Bassetlaw with experience of the Blue Badge Scheme to get involved in the consultation, tell me what you think and let me know any ideas and experiences you have had and help make the Blue Badge Scheme the best that it can possibly be.”

The consultation runs until Thursday, 17 April 2008 and John Mann can be contacted on 01909 506200 or mannj@parliament.uk