Explanatory note

A new form of disabled person’s badge (“badge”) is prescribed for issue by local authorities on or after 2nd March 1992. The badge contains a space for a photograph of the badge holder to be displayed.

The descriptions of prescribed persons to whom badges may be issued are amended to cover: recipients of the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance; persons in receipt of mobility supplements paid in respect of service in the naval, military or air forces during the World War of 1914–18 and also up to and including 30th September 1921, and after 2nd September 1939 including mobility supplements by virtue of any other scheme or order, or in respect of civilian injuries in the World War of 1939–45; and also persons who drive regularly, have a severe disability in both upper limbs and are unable to turn by hand the steering wheel of a vehicle even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob.

The grounds on which the local authority may refuse to issue badges are expanded so that a refusal may be made if the local authority has reasonable grounds for believing that the applicant for a badge is not the person whom he claims to be or that the applicant will permit another person to display the badge on a vehicle.

A badge must be returned to the local authority if the badge has become so mutilated or faded as to cease to be effectively legible.

The local authority may take into account convictions for the offences in section 53(5) and (6) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (contraventions of composite orders dealing with parking places and also ancillary traffic regulations) when refusing to issue badges or when requiring the return of badges.

The transitional provisions are omitted as they are spent.

Drafting amendments have been made to the provisions on duplicate badges and other minor drafting amendments have been made.