John Denham today welcomed the launch of a public consultation on the Disabled Person's Parking Badge Scheme ("the Blue Badge Scheme").

The consultation, launched by the Government, will look at how the Scheme can better reflect the needs of the Blue Badge holder and also beef up its security to prevent abuse.

John Denham welcomed the consultation saying:

“I believe that the Blue Badge Scheme should be fit for purpose. It must help those that need the Badge to improve their mobility and independence, but also be robust enough to prevent abuse of the scheme.

"I want people in Southampton Itchen with experience of the Blue Badge Scheme to get involved in the consultation, tell us what you think and feed in any ideas and experiences you have had, to help us make the Blue Badge Scheme the best that it can possibly be.”

Notes for Editors:

• The consultation runs until Thursday, 17 April 2008 and members of the public are encouraged to submit their views on the consultation document.
• The document can be found on the Department for Transport website, and includes a response form to the consultation: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations
• For further information contact: The Accessibility and Equalities Unit
 Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street,
 London SW1P 4DR 
 Tel:  020 7944 3533 
 Email: bluebadgeconsultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk