HL Deb 10 June 2003 vol 649 cc21-3WA
Baroness Masham of Ilton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will introduce legislation to permit supermarkets to clamp vehicles parked in a disabled person's space without displaying a valid Blue Badge. [HL3130]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

The Blue Badge Scheme and the enforcement powers to protect it do not apply to off-street car parks. There are no plans to change that position.

Vehicles can be clamped on private land, but the legality depends on the circumstances of the particular case and whether the clamper has acted reasonably in the protection of private property rights. Off-street car parks are private property and the conditions of use are a contractual matter between the owner and the motorist.

There are other ways of tackling abuse in off-street car parks, which are set out in a factsheet which is available from the Department for Transport. In addition we are also working closely with, and supporting, the Baywatch campaign, which is committed to encouraging more protection of disabled persons' parking bays in retail car parks from abuse by non-disabled drivers. My response to the noble Baroness in answer to [HL3131] provides further details.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What recent discussions they have had with the main supermarket chains in England and Wales about the misuse of disabled persons parking bays by motorists not displaying a valid Blue Badge. [HL3131]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

Although the Blue Badge Scheme does not apply to off-street car parks (such as supermarket car parks), the Government have offered their full support to Baywatch, a coalition of the four main supermarkets (Asda, Safeway, Sainsbury's and Tesco) and disability organisations, who are committed to encouraging more protection of disabled persons' parking bays in retail car parks from abuse by non-disabled drivers.

Following meetings with the campaign representatives, the Department for Transport has provided £15,000 towards a national feasibility study on awareness/enforcement of disabled persons' parking bays in the supermarket car parks. A report will be produced later this year on the findings of the study, at which stage consideration will be given to how best to take forward the project.