HC Deb 31 January 1991 vol 184 cc604-5W
Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the orange badge parking scheme for disabled people is recognised by the central London authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

Department of Transport officials met officers from the four London authorities currently outside the national scheme, and members of the disabled persons transport advisory committee—DPTAC—in September last year to explore the scope for applying some aspects of the orange badge scheme to central London. All four authorities agreed to consider the possibility of granting some concessions to badge holders subject to the implementation of modifications to the scheme now under consideration and to changes in London boroughs parking enforcement powers as envisaged in part II of the current Road Traffic Bill.

Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that display of the orange badge by anyone other than the legitimate badge holder is made a criminal offence.

Mr. Chope

We have already agreed in principle to the creation of this new offence, which would require legislation.