Amputee told he needs more proof for blue badge

1 hour ago

Owen Sennitt

News image — Nigel Ward said he was asked for more evidence for his Blue Badge application, despite having been granted one three years ago

Nigel Ward A person sits in a wheelchair in a living room, facing the camera. One leg is visible while the other appears to be amputated above the knee. The room contains armchairs, a television, a rug and a window behind the wheelchair. — Nigel Ward said he was asked for more evidence for his Blue Badge application, despite having been granted one three years ago

For amputee Nigel Ward, the evidence is undeniable.

The 71-year-old from King's Lynn assumed that providing photos showing his missing leg would be enough proof to get his blue badge renewed by Norfolk County Council.

But Ward has been asked to verify his disability further, with one council worker suggesting amputees can run marathons - a level of physical endurance he insists he does not have.

Norfolk County Council has insisted it is following correct procedures. But Ward, who lost his leg following a medical incident on a cruise three years ago, has been left "very disheartened" and says he worries it will affect his independence.

He added: "I am a genuine applicant, not a benefits cheat and I need a blue badge."

Nigel Ward Nigel Ward stands in a living room using two walking sticks and a prosthetic leg. A wheelchair, sofa, television and pet bed can be seen in the background. — Nigel Ward submitted photos as evidence to Norfolk County Council, including this one, but was told more medical evidence was needed to reapply for his blue badge

Norfolk County Council said there was no renewal process and that applicants had to provide evidence with each application, to prove ongoing eligibility.

The process still applies to those who have a permanent disability.

A 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.

"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."

They said evidence could include letters, reports or details of treatment from a medical professional.

Getty Images A woman is holding a blue badge in front of a blue car. The badge has writing on the front which reads, DISABLED PERSON'S PARKING DISC FOR USE ONLY WITH VALID BLUE BADGE. — Blue badges are sometimes used fraudulently by drivers who do not need them

Ward said he could not provide medical evidence of limited mobility, as he no longer needed to attend consultations or meetings with doctors after receiving his prosthetic limb.

"I am regarded as independent now," he said, "and would only need their assistance if something went wrong, either with the prosthetic limb or the stump."

Ward, who lives with his wife Gill, first applied successfully for a blue badge three years ago and said the process had been relatively simple before.

Now he is facing uncertainty.

Without the permit, journeys will become "troublesome to say the least", he says, and he has not been told what specific evidence to provide to complete his application.

Nigel Ward "A wheelchair user sits at a restaurant table beside another diner. The table holds drinks and dessert dishes, while other customers can be seen seated in the background." — Nigel Ward, pictured with his wife Gill, first got a blue badge three years ago

After his plight was raised on social media by his daughter, Ward said several people had been in touch to say they faced similar issues getting blue badges renewed.

He said he believed fraudulent claims had led to more scrutiny of genuine applicants.

Norfolk County Council has taken dozens of people to court for misusing blue badges.

Disabled Motoring UK and Equal Lives, two Norfolk-based disability charities, previously warned blue badge users frequently face abuse and suspicion from other drivers when parking in disabled bays.