§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about councils refusing to recognise the orange badge disabled parking scheme; and what plans his Department has to ensure that the orange badge scheme is accepted throughout the country. [33223]
§ Mr. NorrisWe receive a small but steady flow of representations about the fact that the orange badge scheme does not apply in central London, and about arrangements introduced by some local authorities elsewhere which have the effect of excluding orange badge holders along with other motorists, either absolutely or unless they have a special locally issued permit.
The local authorities concerned with the central London area have, with the Department's encouragement, agreed limited parking concessions for orange badge holders and the possibility of extension is kept under review. We have issued advice to local authorities that are considering pedestrianising an area that the needs of disabled people must be fully taken into account; and we have made clear that we discourage local schemes requiring permits in addition to orange badges, although we have no power to prevent them.