[jambutty]

Originally Posted by keetah992000

If the badge cannot be used unless the badge holder is in the car, then why have disabled spots right next to the stores - surely it wouldnt matter where they are
the badge holder can leave the car and dont have to be in it which is why they are supplied with a blue badge AND one of those time cards to say what time you parked up

The badge holder only has to be in the car when it is being parked in a disabled bay. Obviously s/he has to get out to do the shopping etc.

In theory the Blue Badge is awarded to people who have walking difficulties and that is why disabled bays are placed near to the entrances of supermarkets etc.

The interpretation of walking difficulties seems to be pretty wide. As I understand it, if a person cannot walk more than a few yards unaided or suffers pain in doing so they are eligible to receive a Blue Badge. As far as I now the disability has to be permanent so someone with either one or two broken legs or some other injury that prevents them from walking will not qualify. However people with mental disabilities could qualify, as would a blind person.