KARIN Muir (Journal, 13 November) is in error on significant points of her letter regarding abuse of disabled parking.
First is the nature of disability that gives entitlement to a blue badge. It must be a disability related to mobility or severe disability of both arms or blindness. While some disabilities may not be immediately visible the effect of those that relate to the blue badge would, I suggest, be evident to a thoughtful observer.
Second is who may use a blue badge. It may be used only if the person holding the badge is either driving or is a passenger in the car.
The Department of Transport’s booklet on the blue badge states: “Do not allow other people to use the badge to do something on your behalf such as shopping or collecting something for you unless you are travelling with them.”
I feel sure Karin Muir would not do so but there are others who have the disabled person in the car solely to give them a parking privilege.
Misuse of the blue badge is a criminal offence, both for the person misusing it and the person who allows them to misuse it. It could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and confiscation of the badge.
I do not think Richard Avery (Journal, October 30) in his observation was in any way imputing that all those who have blue badges are abusing the system. His observation was that there appeared to be some who abuse the system. When the system is abused in the way he describes it denies a parking place to a disabled person who has need of it.
Derek Blackshaw,
Salisbury
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