New blue badge parking crackdown

Disabled groups are welcoming a government crackdown on the widespread abuse of the “blue badge” parking scheme in England.

There are an estimated 2.5 million badges in circulation, allowing drivers to park on yellow lines as well as avoid parking and congestion charges.

The changes will see local authorities gain more powers to seize badges they think are being misused.

And tests for eligibility will be run by councils rather than GPs.

The scheme was introduced in the early 1970s but in recent years, concerns have grown that many of the badges are being used by people who are not disabled.