British disabled drivers warned blue badges could be rejected in EU due to Brexit
A motoring association said keeping blue badge users "in limbo is simply unacceptable" and called on the government to "resolve the matter urgently" with the nations concerned.
Monday 25 July 2022 11:17, UK
Disabled drivers have been warned they may not be able to use their blue badges in many popular European holiday destinations due to an "outrageous" Brexit hangover.
British ministers are still negotiating with 11 nations on the status of UK blue badges, which were recognised across the EU until the UK left the union two years ago.
British holidaymakers are already contending with the return of roaming charges among many mobile phone operators following Brexit, with the UK's departure from the bloc also blamed for huge queues at Dover and Folkestone's ports over the weekend.
Such issues are coming to the fore as this is the first summer getaway since Brexit for many Britons, with last year's COVID testing and travel rules having been dropped across the continent.
A motoring association said keeping blue badge users "in limbo is simply unacceptable" and called on the government to "resolve the matter urgently" with the nations concerned.
The AA said disabled drivers may leave themselves open to parking fines if they use their permits where no longer accepted.
Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and France are among the countries still "undecided" about whether UK blue badges will be recognised, according to the UK government website.
The others are Iceland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, and Slovenia.
Badge holders will have to "check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to for the latest developments", according to the UK government.
But the AA said consulates had insisted they could not issue advice to disabled drivers until a post-Brexit agreement was reached.
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Long shadow of Brexit is darkening UK-EU relations
'Consulates could not provide any assurances'
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: "To keep blue badge users in limbo is simply unacceptable.
"Blue badges are issued because of specific health reasons, and to not have their status confirmed two years down the line is simply outrageous.
"Rather than take a chance, we would encourage blue badge users to use drop-off and collection zones where possible while the car is parked in a non-disabled bay.
"While problematic, it reduces the risk of a vehicle being given a ticket or towed away.
"While the government website asks blue badge users to ask the consulates for further advice on if their blue badge would be accepted, most could not provide any assurances or advice to the AA.
"Both the UK government and the 11 European nations yet to ratify the status of UK-issued blue badges need to resolve the matter urgently and provide clarity for all concerned."
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Negotiations on blue badge recognition are ongoing between the UK and individual EU states, and motorists should check our guidance to find out where the blue badge is recognised in the EU."
Official government figures show there were 2.35 million blue badge holders in England in 2021.