Disability, accessibility and blue badge scheme statistics: 2023 to 2024
Data on trips made by disabled people from the National Travel Survey, and disabled parking badges (Blue Badges) held and issued in England.
Applies to England
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Statistics on trips taken by disabled people are obtained from the National Travel Survey (NTS).
In 2023:
- disabled adults in England made 25% fewer trips than non-disabled adults
- this difference was smaller amongst the 16 to 59 age range (16%) than amongst the over 60s (34%)
- disabled adults made an average of 740 trips per person in England, compared with non-disabled adults who made an average of 989
- analysis on income shows that in general, the difference in number of trips taken between disabled and non-disabled adults decreased with increasing income
Statistics on parking badges for disabled people (‘Blue Badges’) in England are obtained from the Blue Badge Digital Service (BBDS) database.
As at 31 March 2024:
- 2.84 million Blue Badges were held, an increase of 10% compared to March 2023
- 4.9% of the population held a Blue Badge
- 38% of people who were automatically entitled to a Blue Badge held one
Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024:
- 1.13 million badges were issued, similar to the previous year. This figure includes badges issued following reapplications from existing badge holders
- 41% of these were issued without further assessment
Contact us
Transport: disability, accessibility and blue badge statistics
Email localtransport.statistics@dft.gov.uk
Media enquiries 0300 7777 878
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