A 71-year-old amputee from King's Lynn, Norfolk, claims a local authority asked for additional evidence to verify his mobility difficulties for his blue badge renewal, suggesting he could potentially have a "prosthesis that allows him to run Olympic marathons".
Nigel Ward initially secured a blue badge three years ago after losing his leg during a cruise holiday. While his original application proved uncomplicated, his latest bid for a renewal resulted in Norfolk County Council requesting "medical evidence" to confirm he experienced mobility problems.
Council official's comment
Mr Ward recounted his exchange with the council official, saying: "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'."
The Department for Transport (DfT) blue badge scheme enables disabled individuals with significant mobility challenges to park nearer to their destination, whether travelling as a passenger or driver.
No medical contact
Norfolk County Council, which allegedly informed Mr Ward that correspondence from his GP would be deemed insufficient evidence, has maintained it is operating within the parameters established by the DfT.
However, Mr Ward explained he was not presently under the care of any medical professionals regarding his amputation as he remained otherwise in good health. "I have no need to see anybody medically about the amputation: the stump is fine, and the prosthetic limb works perfectly," he said. "So I don't have any contact directly with medical professionals on my disability."
Critical for independence
Mr Ward explained that losing his leg had profoundly affected his mobility, making his blue badge essential for maintaining his daily independence, describing it as "critical".
"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," he said. "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."
A Norfolk County 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 Department for Transport, 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."
