§ 78. Sir T. Beamishasked the Minister of Transport if she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the advice she has now given to local authorities after completing her review of the nationally approved scheme for special car badges for disabled drivers; if she is satisfied that this will lead to the national recognition of the badges issued by different local authorities; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CastleMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I have completed our review of the National Car Badge Scheme for disabled drivers and are now consulting with the local authority associations on the form of advice to be issued to local traffic and welfare authorities.
The badges issued under the Scheme confer no legal rights; and I am aware that in certain areas, in particular in Central London where the traffic and parking problems are severe, it has not always been possible to extend to all disabled drivers the privileges that have come to be associated with the Scheme. But I am satisfied that the Scheme receives nation-wide recognition; and that, as a result of the ready means of identifying disabled drivers which it provides, it affords them a real measure of assistance.