End of the blues for badge holders

Keith Davies AM has welcomed confirmation from the Welsh Government this week that blue badge holders will be spared the cost of upgrading to a new, hard to copy disabled badge.

Following a 12 week consultation period, Minister for Transport Carl Sargeant has given his assurance that despite rising costs for the production of a harder to forge badge, those most vulnerable would not face additional costs.

Keith Davies said: "Again, Wales is taking a different direction to the rest of the UK, Welsh Labour is standing up for those who find themselves in a vulnerable position. In England and Scotland, local authorities charge disabled badge holders up to £20. I am pleased that this charge will not be an issue for disabled drivers or their families here.

"I also welcome further improvements to the scheme which include plans to tackle misuse and abuse of the scheme which can have a negative impact on legitimate badge holders."

The new badge will be made of PVC and includes elements such as complex printing patterns; a holographic feature that can't be photocopied or scanned; use of security inks that are only available from a restricted list of providers; raised features and Braille; and, a digital photograph.

A charge of £10 will continue for organsiations seeking a badge or to replace a lost badge.

Transport Minister Carl Sargeant said: "Disabled people in Wales are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people to live in low income households and they face extra costs related to managing their impairments which could push individuals further into poverty."

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