A 71-year-old amputee from King's Lynn, Norfolk, has been denied a blue badge renewal after a council worker reportedly told him he could 'run Olympic marathons'. Nigel Ward, who lost his leg while on a cruise, first obtained a blue badge three years ago. His recent renewal bid led Norfolk County Council to ask for 'medical evidence' that he had mobility issues.
Mr Ward claims a council worker told him some amputees did not have difficulty walking or even running. Recalling the conversation, he said: "I said to him that my leg isn't going to grow back. And he said, 'Well, see it from our perspective'. He said, 'You might have one of those spring prosthetics that allows you to run Olympic marathons'."
Blue badge scheme and evidence requirements
The blue badge scheme, managed by the Department for Transport (DfT), allows disabled people with significant mobility difficulties to park closer to their destination, either as a passenger or driver. Mr Ward was reportedly told that a letter from his GP would not be considered sufficient evidence.
Norfolk County Council has insisted it is working within the guidance set by the DfT. However, Mr Ward said he was not currently in touch with any medical professionals about his amputation because he was otherwise healthy.
Impact on daily independence
"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," he said.
According to Mr Ward, the loss of his leg severely impacted his mobility. He described the need for a blue badge to support his day-to-day independence as 'critical'.
He explained: "I think they (the council) 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.
"Now, I'm not in that category. My walking with the prosthetic limb is very limited. 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. Therefore getting closer to the destination using a parking bay is critical, really."
Council response
A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council 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 Department for Transport, which includes detailed guidance on 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."
