Number of blue badges in England rises 10.5% in a year to record high
Recent data from the Department for Transport indicates a significant increase in the number of Blue Badges issued in England. As of March 2024, there were 2.84 million valid Blue Badges, marking a 10.5% rise from the previous year.
This surge is partly attributed to the 2019 expansion of eligibility criteria to include individuals with non-visible disabilities, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and epilepsy. Approximately 4% of the badges issued by March 2024 were held by people with non-visible disabilities.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the misuse and fraudulent acquisition of Blue Badges. Estimates suggest that up to 20% of badges may be misused or held fraudulently, depriving genuine holders of essential parking access.
The increase in Blue Badge thefts is also alarming. In London alone, thefts have risen from 1,230 in 2014 to 6,415 in 2023, a 421% surge.
To address these issues, local authorities are intensifying enforcement efforts. For instance, Brighton & Hove City Council, in collaboration with Sussex Police, has launched initiatives to identify and penalize fraudulent use of Blue Badges, emphasizing that misuse is a serious offense punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Blue Badge holders and the public are encouraged to report suspected misuse to maintain the scheme’s integrity and ensure that parking benefits are available to those who genuinely need them.