Norfolk MP: More in-person tests & faster blue badge processing needed
County Hall issues around 15 thousand of these permits and dished out nearly £40 thousand in fines for abusing them, last year
More in-person tests and faster processing of disabled parking permits is needed to help many in the county- says a local MP
Terry Jermy represents South West Norfolk and wants to see eligibility criteria broadened to beyond mobility issues.
County Hall issues around 15 thousand of these permits and dished out nearly £40 thousand in fines for abusing them, last year.
Norfolk County Council also secured 64 convictions in 2024 against people who abused the permits.
"I've met people who tell me they are reluctant to leave their village"
Terry Jermy MP told us why action is needed so quickly, here:
"I've got reports of people waiting weeks and weeks and weeks. It's a confusing process and there's lots of information required through-out.
"There's also lots of people with non-mobility related long-term illnesses that are being denied a blue badge, which is my view just isn't always right or fair.
"You've currently got a situation where people's quality of life is severely impacted and this will only get worse if nothing changes.
"I've met people who tell me they are reluctant to leave their village.
"They don't want to go to the supermarket or head-out to the town centre, because they have no guarantee that they will get a parking space anywhere close to where they need to be going" .
"The process takes a long time and it is complicated"
Peter Shailes, a 91-year-old living in the Marshland St James area in west Norfolk, said his friend who lives in Cambridgeshire got his permit approved in a little more than a week.
But he has found it a difficult process to complete.
“I’ve heard it is quite difficult as there are so many people applying,” he said.
“The process takes a long time and it is complicated.”
What has Norfolk County Council said on this?
Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities, said NCC follows national guidance when dealing with blue badge requests.
“When dealing with blue badge requests, Norfolk County Council follows the national guidance issued by the Department for Transport, which includes detailed guidance on how eligibility should be assessed through evidence and assessments.
“Any change in how these assessments are carried out would need to come from central government.
“In the meantime, for anyone requiring help or advice about their blue badge application, information is available on our website at norfolk.gov.uk/bluebadge or people can call the council’s Customer Service Centre on 0344 800 8020.”