Blue badge disabled parking scheme to be extended

The blue badge disabled parking scheme is being extended so people whose mobility is severely restricted temporarily are eligible.

They will be able to use the badges from October if their mobility is restricted for at least a year.

Conditions include complex leg fractures, recovery from strokes and serious head injuries.

Ministers said the changes would help patients to recover and to continue to live independently during that time.

Transport Minister Edwina Hart announced the new rules in a written statement on Thursday, following a consultation launched in January.

She said some other changes could not be made immediately because they required existing laws to be amended.