Blue Badge

Mojisola

JackieO wrote: »

Even if they start to charge £10.00 for a blue badge ,if it stops mis-use it will be worth every penny £10.00 over three years is affordable and reasonable I think around 7p per week pretty good value

I can't see how charging more for the card is going to stop abuse.

Most cards are claimed by people in need - they're just misused by that person's relatives and friends. That's not going to stop because it cost more to get it in the first place.

paddedjohn

mojisola wrote: »

i can't see how charging more for the card is going to stop abuse.

Most cards are claimed by people in need - they're just misused by that person's relatives and friends. That's not going to stop because it cost more to get it in the first place.

maybe true, but if the fees are used to fund abuse then its justified. Why not have the users picture on the front of the badge like drivers lisences, whenever the badge is used if the pic isnt displayed or doesnt match the user a hefty fine could/should be issued.

Lady_K

I had to send in two passport sized photos for mine, I thought they were all like that now. I was asked to send a £2 cheque for admin fees and I wouldn't mind paying more to help with fraud prevention

The person I mentioned earlier that uses her sisters blue badge even has her sisters photo on it but she gets away with it, she says they look quite similar in the photo. They look related but not like the same person so they can't check that closely.

davsidipp

paddedjohn wrote: »

maybe true, but if the fees are used to fund abuse then its justified. Why not have the users picture on the front of the badge like drivers lisences, whenever the badge is used if the pic isnt displayed or doesnt match the user a hefty fine could/should be issued.

it might deter people from using a badge if it does not belong to them but a photo of the badge holder on the front of the badge which is on show is demeaning.

Lady_K

On my badge although it has a photo it states it must be displayed with the photo on the inside. I have to admit I didn't feel comfortable with the idea of my photo being put on display either so was pleased about that but at the same time it is easier for those misusing the badges. Unless they are spot checked in the parks more regular its just too easy to get away with and genuine badge holders with carer or relatives misusing the badges will still continue even with the new medicals.

datostar

sh1305 wrote: »

I'm surprised they don't ask for the BB back once the owner has passed away.

I don't think they've any way of knowing unless somebody tells them. My father died last year and I conscientiously sent his BB back to Lancs. County Council. Didn't even get an acknowledgement from them.

Garlicbread

skcollobcat10 wrote: »

I get fed up with the abuse of the BB in the supermarket.

I feel that if those who abuse the system can park outside the supermarket and walk about getting their shopping, well they must have walked hundreds and hundreds of yards up and down the aisles with their shopping trolleys.

My personal opinion is that they do not deserve the BB.

I urge people to think twice before judging whether or not someone is entitled to a blue badge. Not all disabilities are visible and it is not always possible to see pain and discomfort. Also Blue badges can be allocated to people with arthritis for example, who may not have the use of their hands and can't put money into a parking meter. People with lung or heart conditions may become very breathless when walking, but there is nothing wrong with their legs and on the outside they may look healthy.

I'm not denying that the scheme is open to abuse but I think it's awful when disabled people are confronted by strangers telling them they don't have a right to use their badge because they don't 'look' disabled.

sueturnersmith

I have a Blue Badge, and was shopping with my OH using my mobility scooter. We had parked in a disabled bay in an out of town shopping mall, and I had bought some bulky items which were difficult to carry. I needed to go to another shop, so I went there while OH took the shopping to put in the car boot before coming back to me. Someone saw him, and said he didn't look disabled, to which my OH said 'I'm not, but my wife is'. Before he could explain further, the person drove off, very angry, saying he was going to report my OH.

Luckily we heard nothing more about it, but it just shows you shouldn't jump to conclusions!

Prinzessilein

Here on the East Coast the Blue Badge is given free to those who qualify. The badge includes a photo of the badge-holder. Both my mum and I would be willing to pay a reasonable fee (say £10?) for the badges.

paddedjohn

davsidipp wrote: »

it might deter people from using a badge if it does not belong to them but a photo of the badge holder on the front of the badge which is on show is demeaning.

i dont see how you would feel it was demeaning, you are after all in/using the car anyway so whats the problem? people can see you getting in and out and walking away so whats the problem? its by far one of the easiest ways to detect fraud and make it easier for the genuine holders in the long run.