The Department for Transport has issued an update on the use of Blue Badges in Europe, meaning UK drivers with a disability can use their parking permits abroad
Blue Badge holders might soon be able to use their permits abroad, thanks to a proposed overhaul by the Labour Party government. The Department for Transport has refreshed its guidance just in time for the peak of the summer holiday rush this week. The latest word from Labour gives the green light for UK drivers with disability parking permits to be welcomed in over 25 European nations.
This could spell good news for approximately 2.8 million Blue Badge holders planning a jaunt overseas. Countries rolling out the scheme for Brits include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden, all giving the thumbs up to the badges.
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Switzerland is also on board, though it asks visitors to pair the badge with a parking clock when they park up. Denmark is happy to accept British Blue Badges but insists on the use of a parking disc, while Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Romania are open to parking cards from outside the EU as well, although France may turn up its nose at non-EU permits, reports Birmingham Live.
The DfT advised: “We recommend that you carry any supporting documentation that may be required, such as a doctor’s note or a translation of your Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules.”
When it comes to Spain, UK Blue Badge recognition is a local affair, says the DfT. Those with disabilities have the opportunity to snag, renew, or hold special driving licences based on necessary adaptations, restrictions, or other conditions related to individuals, vehicles, or traffic situations. Drivers from other nations, navigating Spanish roads, must adhere to the stipulations outlined in their driving licences, Spain asserts.
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The statement said: “Wheelchair users, People with walking difficulty, People with vision impairment, People with mental health issues, learning disabilities.
“The parking card is granted to people for which an impossibility to perform by themselves a number of basic vital tasks has been certified. Please note that parking cards might be granted to people with no driver license.”
Parking concessions differ in each country, the DfT notes, with information accessible via parking card for people with disabilities in the European Union, and the FIA guide for the disabled traveller: using parking permits, cards and placards in the EU and EEA.
Once official, this will make it easier for people with or without visible disabilities to park in places close to where they are, without having to worry about finding suitable parking.