§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received from motoring organisations regarding the operation of the orange badge scheme for disabled motorists;
(2) what guidance he issues to local authorities in respect of provision for visiting drivers in parking schemes for disabled drivers.
§ Mr. KeyThe main representations we have received concern restrictions on access for orange badge holders' vehicles into pedestrian zones and the difficulties that can arise when local authorities introduce their own local schemes of parking concessions.
77WGuidance in respect of access into pedestrian zones is contained in local transport note 1/87. 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 orange badge holders' vehicles. Advice on local schemes is contained in local authority circular 3/91, Department of Transport. This circular highlights the unnecessary and inconvenient restrictions such schemes can place on badge holders, and asks local authorities that have introduced their own schemes to review their position in the light of the new arrangements introduced in March 1992 to the national scheme which were designed to ensure that only those with a genuine need receive a badge.