Disabled Drivers (Hansard, 16 May 1990)

§ Mr. Harry Barnes
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy concerning the access of disabled people and their cars to pedestrian-only areas; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Atkins
The Department's policy towards the access of orange badge holders' vehicles to pedestrian zones is set out in local transport note 1/87 "Getting the Right Balance".
Orange badge holders' vehicles should not normally need to be exempted from access restrictions if a sufficient number of convenient parking places can be provided. If this is not possible, there may be a case for allowing some form of access for disabled people's vehicles.
The guidance stresses the importance of consultation with organisations representing people with disabilities when zones are being planned.
A copy of local transport note 1/87 has been placed in the Library.

§ Mr. Harry Barnes
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many disabled orange badge holders there are in Derbyshire.

§ Mr. Atkins
The number is 26,942 at 31 March 1989, the latest date for which figures are available centrally.

§ Mr. Harry Barnes
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those councils which ban vehicles belonging to disabled orange badge holders from pedestrian-only areas.

§ Mr. Atkins
The decision to ban vehicles displaying an orange badge from pedestrian zones is primarily for individual local authorities to take. Information on the number of local authorities which have implemented such a ban is not held centrally.

§ Mr. Harry Barnes
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to amend the orange badge scheme for disabled drivers.

§ Mr. Atkins
Revised regulations governing the scheme were issued for consultation on 9 April. The changes are designed to clarify the eligibility criteria for badges, curb abuse and tailor the parking concessions provided under the scheme more closely to the needs of severely disabled people.
Major organisations representing disabled people, the local authority associations and the police are being consulted on the detailed changes to the statutory regulations.
A copy has been placed in the Library.