23 March 2006

With over 6,000 Blue Badges reported stolen from parked cars in 2004, many disabled motorists are now too scared to display their parking badges. However, thanks to a simple yet highly effective protection system launched by vehicle converters, Gowrings Mobility, Blue Badge theft may become a crime of the past.

The Blue Badge Protector from Gowrings Mobility is a simple, visible deterrent, in which the Badge is locked into a steel case and protected by 5mm of thick clear plastic. The device is then locked with a flexible steel cable, which attaches to the steering wheel.

Linda Ling, managing director of Gowrings Mobility commented, “Loss of a Blue Badge means that a disabled motorist is faced with a waiting time of up to six weeks for a replacement badge. During this time, owners are seriously compromised whenever they need to park their cars. As they say, prevention is always better than cure, and the Blue Badge Protector is a cost-effective way of guarding against theft.”

The Blue Badge scheme allows disabled holders to park on yellow lines for up to three hours, in supermarket bays, and to enjoy free parking in pay-and-display and ‘permit holders only’ areas. The demand for the distinctive Blue Badge has been fuelled by increasing parking costs and the slim chance of being caught. Anyone can use a parking permit, as no personal details are visible when it is displayed.

The Blue Badge Protector is available in two options: at £22.99, the Double Blue Badge Protector can hold two disabled badges, or one badge and a Time of Arrival parking disc; or the Single Blue Badge Protector costs £17.99.

To order a Blue Badge Protector, please contact Gowrings Mobility on (Lo-Call) 0845 608 8020 or visit www.gowringsmobility.co.uk