HL Deb 03 May 2000 vol 612 c178WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in introducing the European Union Parking Card for facilitating improved mobility for people with disabilities; and what action they have taken in relation to use of the card in the United Kingdom. [HL2174]

Lord Whitty

The regulations to introduce the new blue parking badge for disabled people came into effect on 1 April 2000 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The blue badge will be introduced in Wales later this year.

In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the new blue badges are being phased in from 1 April over a three-year period as existing Orange Badges come up for renewal or applications are processed. Existing Orange Badges will therefore continue to be recognised in the usual way until 31 March 2003.