Stunell steps up fight for temporary blue badge scheme

10.19.59am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 11th Jan 2007

Today, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell stepped up his campaign for people who suffer from short term disability and who have children under the age of two to be included in the Blue Badge disabled parking scheme.

Commenting on his new Parliamentary Motion, Mr Stunell said:

"People who are out of action for a few weeks, perhaps after a leg or hip operation, and people with very young children often find it difficult to use local shops and amenities. They should be allowed to park in disabled bays until they are fully mobile again.

"Back in 2002 the Government promised that people who are temporarily disabled or who have children under two years of age would be included in the scheme. But now, five years on, nothing has changed.

"I am calling on the Government to urgently put forward new regulations to deliver on their promises made almost five years ago."

Mr Stunell's plea follows difficulties experienced by many local constituents when recovering from operations, or when their children are very young. ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Mr Stunell's new Parliamentary motion states:

That this House recognises the difficulties caused to young children and their families by the present rules governing Blue Badges for disabled people; notes that in 2002 the Government agreed to change the Blue Badge eligibility criteria to include children under two years of age and those who are temporarily disabled; further notes that these changes were first recommended by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee in 1999; and calls on the Government urgently to put forward new regulations to deliver on the undertakings that were made in 2002.