A charity has called for greater urgency in giving blue parking badges to families struggling with autism.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) says for some families the “vital” parking badges can mean the difference between getting out and about in their communities and staying in.
NAS head of policy Tim Nicholls says just leaving the house can be a challenge for families living with autism
The UK government announced last year it was planning new laws. These would ensure those with hidden disabilities such as autism qualify for the badges automatically.
Perceived unfairness
The changes will address a perceived unfairness in the badge system. Councils issue badges automatically to those with physical challenges, but not learning disabilities and mental health problems.
The badges allow those who hold them to park closer to their destination, including on double yellow lines.
Councils can already issue the parking badges to those with autism, learning disabilities and mental health problems on a discretionary basis.
Councils choose not to issue parking badges
Legislation is needed because some councils choose not to issue badges to those with hidden disabilities.
Tim Nicholls is head of policy at the NAS.
He said just leaving the house can be a challenge and detailed preparation is needed for many autistic people and their families.
Trips out can involve overwhelming anxiety about plans going wrong.
Some adults might not be aware of the dangers of the road, or become overwhelmed by busy or loud environments, Nicholls said.
“Vital to make the changes’
He added that it was “now vital to make the necessary changes to regulations as soon as possible to make the blue badge system fairer for autistic people and their families”.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said it would bring new regulations before Parliament by April.
More details on when the new rules will come into force “will be available in due course”, added the spokesperson.
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Published: 7 January 2019
