Removal of Blue Badges causes distress

Jul 18 2008

Dear Editor, – Voluntary Car Schemes in Perth and Kinross, one of which has been operating for 25 years, are utterly dismayed at the council’s decision to remove their Blue Badge allocation.

Changes within Perth and Kinross Council have resulted in Blue Badge regulation and administration being transferred from Housing and Community Care to Parking Services.

Parking services are now insisting that each passenger should have their own Blue Badge.

This would mean that up to 400 additional Blue Badges will need to be issued in Perth and Kinross alone.

Letters of concern have been sent to Perth and Kinross Council by Perth and Kinross Community Transport Group (PKCTG, which promotes, supports and helps develop Community Transport), local voluntary car schemes and also local Councillors, Mike Barnacle, Kathleen Baird and Willie Robertson.

Voluntary car schemes currently holding blue badges transport a large volume of people and operate effectively and efficiently.

There are huge advantages for all when the voluntary car group holds the Blue Badge.

There is no time wasted trying to locate the clients blue badge, no administrative issues for the client, stress is reduced for the client, appointment times are met and ultimately time and money will be saved by the council.

The overall picture is that Voluntary Car Schemes retaining the Blue Badge benefits all.

The council has been asked to urgently reconsider their decision and reinstate the issue of limited numbers of Blue Badges to voluntary car groups."

Angela Prescott,

Community Development Worker,

On behalf of PKCTG.