AM Elin Jones has encouraged local residents to respond to a Welsh Government consultation on the future of the blue badge parking scheme for mobility-impaired drivers.

The scheme, administered by local authorities on behalf of the Government, helps people to park in special or restricted areas if they need access due to mobility difficulties.

The consultation focuses on proposals to change the eligibility criteria to include people with temporary mobility impairments, changes to the application process, and proposals on enforcement in cases of misuse of blue badges.

Miss Jones said: “Difficulties with the blue badge scheme is an issue which crops up frequently in my advice surgeries in Ceredigion.

“There is sometimes uncertainty over the eligibility criteria for a blue badge, and what evidence is permissible.

“It’s certainly worth looking at this issue, and it might well be beneficial for more people with temporary mobility problems to be able to apply for badges. We need a fair and transparent system.

“I would encourage anyone who has a view on this matter to contact the Welsh Government via the website or by e-mailing [email protected] before 16 February.”