A motoring association said keeping blue badge users “in limbo is simply unacceptable” and called on the government to “resolve the matter urgently” with the nations concerned. Disabled drivers have been warned they may not be able to use their blue badges in many popular European holiday destinations due to an “outrageous” Brexit hangover.
British ministers are still negotiating with 11 nations on the status of UK blue badges, which were recognised across the EU until the UK left the union two years ago. British holidaymakers are already contending with the return of roaming charges among many mobile phone operators following Brexit, with the UK’s departure from the bloc also blamed for huge queues at Dover and Folkestone’s ports over the weekend.
Such issues are coming to the fore as this is the first summer getaway since Brexit for many Britons, with last year’s COVID testing and travel rules having been dropped across the continent. A motoring association said keeping blue badge users “in limbo is simply unacceptable” and called on the government to “resolve the matter urgently” with the nations concerned. The AA said disabled drivers may leave themselves open to parking fines if they use their permits where no longer accepted.
Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and France are among the countries still “undecided” about whether UK blue badges will be recognised, according to the UK government website.