A 71-year-old amputee from King's Lynn, Norfolk, has been told by his local council that he needs to provide more evidence before he can receive a blue parking badge. Nigel Ward lost his entire left leg in an incident on a cruise ship three years ago and has had mobility issues ever since.
Mr Ward has needed a badge for the past three years. Upon reapplying, he claims he was told he could have a "prosthesis that allows him to run Olympic marathons." The blue badge is vital for his independence, as he needs to park closer to places than others.
Cruise ship incident leads to mobility challenges
Mr Ward said: "I’ve never actually counted, but I doubt that I could walk 50 steps without needing to stop for a few minutes to take a breath. I have never been able to manage my balance, which means that I need walking aids as well as the prosthetic."
Despite never having problems previously, when reapplying for his badge through Norfolk County Council this year, Mr Ward was told to provide "medical evidence" of his mobility issues. One council worker reportedly told him that some amputees could walk or run perfectly well.
Council insists on evidence for blue badge eligibility
Mr Ward said: "I think they are alluding to the fact that there are certainly people, amputees, who wear prosthetics and who are able to cope and manage quite well, as if it was just an extension of the normal limb. I said to him that my leg isn't going to grow back."
The council reportedly told Mr Ward a GP note was insufficient evidence, and that he needed to prove that only having one leg affected his mobility. "I have no need to see anybody medically about the amputation: the stump is fine, and the prosthetic limb works perfectly, so I don't have any contact directly with medical professionals on my disability," Mr Ward said.
Council says it follows DfT guidelines
The Department for Transport (DfT) operates the blue badge scheme, which allows disabled people to park in designated disabled bays and get closer to their destination. Norfolk County Council insists it is operating within the DfT’s guidelines.
A council spokesperson said: "We know how important blue badges are for helping people to remain independent. We have to work within the guidance set for us by the DfT, which includes detailed guidance how eligibility should be assessed through evidence and assessments.
"As detailed on our website applicants must adequately evidence the difficulties they experience whilst walking, this applies to those reapplying for an expiring blue badge as well as first time applications. There is no renewal process, and applicants are required to evidence their ongoing eligibility with each application. Evidence could include letters, reports or details of treatment from a medical professional.
"Anyone requiring help with a blue badge application or who is unable to use the online application process can call the council's Customer Service Centre on 0344 800 8020, and we would be happy to provide support and advice."
