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| MSP Robertson consults on blue badge misuse law | MSP Robertson consults on blue badge misuse law |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| An MSP has launched a consultation on a proposed law to crack down on the fraudulent use of blue disabled badges. | An MSP has launched a consultation on a proposed law to crack down on the fraudulent use of blue disabled badges. |
| Dennis Robertson's private members' bill would see officials being given beefed up powers to confiscate badges which are not being correctly used. | Dennis Robertson's private members' bill would see officials being given beefed up powers to confiscate badges which are not being correctly used. |
| The blind MSP for Aberdeenshire West also wants a proper appeals process for applicants refused badges on eligibility grounds. | The blind MSP for Aberdeenshire West also wants a proper appeals process for applicants refused badges on eligibility grounds. |
| Mr Robertson said he was looking forward to hearing people's views. | Mr Robertson said he was looking forward to hearing people's views. |
| The SNP politician, who is a blue badge holder, added: "Finding suitable parking spaces, particularly in towns and cities, is difficult at any time. | |
| "However, if you have a disability it can be even more difficult to find a parking space close to your destination, whether it is for work, education or leisure." | "However, if you have a disability it can be even more difficult to find a parking space close to your destination, whether it is for work, education or leisure." |
| Mr Robertson's proposal has had backing from the equal opportunities committee of the Scottish Parliament. | Mr Robertson's proposal has had backing from the equal opportunities committee of the Scottish Parliament. |
| Keith Brown, Scotland's minister for transport and veterans, said the blue badge scheme was a "lifeline" for thousands of disabled people in Scotland and it made sense to consult on options for tightening enforcement powers. | Keith Brown, Scotland's minister for transport and veterans, said the blue badge scheme was a "lifeline" for thousands of disabled people in Scotland and it made sense to consult on options for tightening enforcement powers. |
| He added: "This will enable consideration to be given to how best to ensure that these crucially important parking concessions are used for the purpose for which they were intended - to help severely disabled people retain their independence and live full lives." | He added: "This will enable consideration to be given to how best to ensure that these crucially important parking concessions are used for the purpose for which they were intended - to help severely disabled people retain their independence and live full lives." |