Overview

This bill amends the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, updating regulations concerning disabled parking badges in England, Wales, and Scotland. Key changes include clarifying the form of badges, establishing procedures for cancellation and return of badges, strengthening enforcement measures, and providing for badges for disabled service personnel overseas.

Description

Badge Form and Issuance:

The bill removes the requirement for a prescribed form for disabled parking badges, instead allowing the Secretary of State to specify or approve the form for badges issued in England and Wales, while retaining a prescribed form for Scotland.

Cancellation and Return of Badges:

Local authorities in England and Wales gain the power to cancel badges if the holder no longer possesses them (e.g., due to loss or theft). The bill clarifies penalties for using a badge that should have been returned or has been cancelled.

Enforcement:

The bill expands the definition of "enforcement officer" to include those authorized by local authorities in England and Wales to enforce badge regulations. It also grants constables and enforcement officers the power to retain badges believed to be misused or invalid. Regulations will be set to govern the handling of retained badges.

Appeals and Overseas Badges:

The bill removes the right of appeal for decisions made by local authorities in England regarding badge issuance or return. It also extends the provision of disabled parking badges to disabled service personnel and their households based overseas.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any increase or decrease in government spending. The potential costs could include administration of the updated regulations by local authorities and the Department for Transport. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Disabled Persons: The bill impacts how they obtain, use, and potentially lose their parking badges. Changes to appeals processes may affect some disabled individuals.
• Local Authorities: Local authorities will be responsible for implementing the new regulations, including badge issuance, cancellation, and enforcement. This will involve administrative costs.
• Enforcement Officers: Their powers are expanded with new responsibilities for badge retention and enforcement.
• Disabled Service Personnel Overseas: These individuals will gain access to disabled parking badges under the new provisions.
• Drivers: Penalties for misuse of a disabled parking badge are clarified and strengthened.

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