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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the exemptions or concessions he will prescribe for disabled people from road user charges and the workplace parking levy in England. [154902] Mr. Hill: The Government are at present reviewing the operation of the Blue Badge scheme for parking concessions for disabled people. As part of the review we will be seeking views on whether there should be a link between that scheme and the exemption or concession arrangements for disabled motorists from road user charges and workplace parking levies. We expect to complete this review by the end of this year, and we then plan to consult on the scope of England-wide exemptions or concessions from road user charges and workplace parking levies. The aim will be to provide a uniform minimum standard of exemptions and/or concessions throughout England including Greater London, subject to considering whether an exception should be made for the unique circumstances of central London. It will be open to individual charging authorities to give exemptions and/or concessions above the minimum if they wish. If in due course the Government decide on an England-wide exemption or concession which is greater than one included by a charging authority in a charging scheme, we will give the authority adequate time to bring its scheme into line with the national requirements.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

154902; 365 c129-30W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Disability Concessions Blue badge scheme Fees and charges Driving Parking Roads Tolls

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk