Help lessen the financial strain of being disabled in the UK, ensure Blue badge parking is and remains free!

I am one of the many people who rely on a blue badge to live my life. The process to obtain this badge is arduous and only achievable by those who need a vehicle to access essential buildings, require mobile medical equipment, or simply need the badge to live their lives to any sort of quality due to the need of accessibility in an already non-accessible world. According to Gov.org, less then 5% of the UK population even hold a blue-badge.

Being disabled already comes with high costs and we do not have the privilege of walking to avoid parking fees, with some even needing parking to hold their required lifesaving equipment or medication etc.  

The introduction of parking fees for blue badge holders, even in private car parks, adds an unnecessary financial burden on our shoulders. This is not just about money; it's about our ability to participate in society without being penalized for our disability.

According to Scope UK, disabled people face extra costs of £975 per month on average related directly to their condition (2023). Forcing us to pay additional parking fees only exacerbates this financial strain and limits our ability even further. This is a generously low assumption for the additional costs needed. 

We urge local authorities and private car park owners across the country to abolish these discriminatory charges against blue badge holders. We call upon lawmakers and regulators alike - protect us from the introduction of such fees in the future.

I know many may be thinking, 'well I pay for parking, why can't those disabled?' and that's a normal thought to have. Unlike those in need of blue badges, you have other options, to walk to your location, use public transport (as these can also be inaccessible), cycle, get lifts, taxis and Ubers and more without requiring specialist vehicles for your wheelchair or other needs. You can also pop to the shops, using the possible free short stay time or just the minimum time fee, whilst those with blue badges may take significant time even getting in and out of vehicles (not to mention the added time doing the shopping), racking up fees for being longer in the car park. 

Those that qualify for blue-badges, also tend to be disabled to the point of restricted capability to work, so financially, they are already disadvantaged, not to mention the cost of the equipment, appointments, adjustment equipment, prescriptions, time off due to appointments, flairs and illness and more. Even the blue badge itself costs money to have! The fees alone can prevent those disabled living any quality of life, prevent access to healthcare, the ability to see friends, family, or do anything they may consider helps them feel 'normal'. Not to mention all the other barriers they face.

Please sign this petition if you believe that all individuals should be able to live their lives without unnecessary barriers or costs due solely because they are differently-abled. Let's make free parking for blue badge holders a nationwide standard!