CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed plans which would see people with hidden disabilities entitled to blue badge parking permits.

Older people's and disability groups in East Lancashire said the scheme would help create 'parity of esteem' for those living with hidden disabilities.

Proposals by the Department for Transport (DfT) aim to make it easier for people with conditions such as dementia and autism to travel to work, socialise and access shops and services in England.

Brian Todd, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Older People’s Forum, said: "I don't think anybody who lives with anyone who has one of these so-called hidden disabilities could object to this scheme.

"Disabilities aren't just physical, but they also include mental health which is invisible.

"This a welcome scheme though that will help create parity of esteem for those living with hidden disabilities, although there is a long way to go before attitudes change and people do get treated equally.

Vicky Shepherd, chief executive of Age UK Blackburn and Darwen, also backed the proposals.

She said: "Dementia is affecting more and more older people.

"It's hidden quite often, so yes we'd welcome the new blue badge parking permits.

"We feel this will enable people live as long and independently as possible, so they can continue to drive and do things familiar to them."

Sarah Lambert, head of policy at the National Autistic Society, welcomed the proposal and said amending parking permit access could be “a lifeline” for many autistic people, who often do not qualify under current regulations.

It is hoped the move – which would be the biggest change to the blue badge scheme since it was introduced in 1970 – would help create parity in the treatment of physical and mental health.

The changes being put to an eight-week public consultation also include blue badge assessments being carried out by a greater variety of healthcare professionals who can spot if mental health is causing mobility issues.

The DfT said councils have different interpretations of existing rules with only some recognising hidden disabilities.

The new policy is designed to provide “clear and consistent” guidelines.

Around 2.4 million disabled people in England have a blue badge.

This enables them to park free of charge in pay and display bays and for up to three hours on yellow lines, while in London they exempt holders from having to pay the congestion charge.

Around three out of four blue badge holders say they would go out less often if they did not have one, according to the DfT.