Entitlement for Blue Badge

[Thom7]

Hello .Has anyone with Permanent AF ever applied for a Blue Badge and what was the outcome please?

[Hidden]

Not that I’m aware of. Did you manage your recent trip to Jamaica OK. If so, did you need assistance at the airport.

[Thom7 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flapjack,Yes I managed my recent trip to Jamaica with a lot of assistance from my niece. We went really early to the airport and booked the airport lounge so that I could rest for a few hours to recharge my energy.On return I had a bad fall in Jamaica airport but eventually returned home a bit battered and bruised. I think that I am going to need assistance at airports in future but will try and remain independent as long as possible.

[BobD Volunteer]

AF is not generally considered a disability so the answer is usually NO. My arthritis is a far worse problem for me and I can't get one!

[Thom7 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob,Why is permanent AF not considered a disability when the symptons can create extreme breathlessness and balance problems ? This situation creates problems with walking as well as pain in legs and hands.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Thom7]

Not for everybody. Many people live normal lives in fact some people do not know they have AF till either they have a stroke or it is found during routine check ups. You may have other issues which need attention in which case you could ask your local authority. I do agree that one often sees perfectly fit looking people using blue badges but we never know what is behind that as not every disability is obvious.

[bennie06]

What annoys me (only slightly) is why a disabled badge can be a badge for free parking.

[Thom7 in reply to bennie06]

Hi There is now very little disabled parking with blue badge that entitles you to free parking. The main purpose of it is to help people with walking difficulties and other serious health conditions to park near to destination entrances etc and therefore give them some form of independence.

[P0rtnahapp1e]

I have permanent af and applied for a blue badge a few months ago. My GP was approached by the issuers and agreed that I was sometimes unable to walk particular distances.

I use it requently, but our local town is pedestrianised so even parking in the disabled spaces closest to the shops was of no benefit so I applied for a permit to enable driving and parking in the pedestrian zone.

I take my card with me on holidays, and last week visited my daughter in Lincoln. We parked, as usual, in a disabled space and displayed the badge in her car. When we returned there was a parking ticket on her windscreen advising us that the card wasn’t displayed properly and fining us £70. When we appealed we were told that I should have had a clock displayed, showing the time of arrival. Apparently this is a regulation in a couple of council areas in England and one other European country, so beware when applying and ask for a cardboard clock !

[Thom7 in reply to P0rtnahapp1e]

Thank you for your reply. It is encouraging to know that permanent AF and the effect it has on walking is a consideration for Blue Badge entitlement.