Disabled groups are welcoming a government crackdown on the widespread abuse of the "blue badge" parking scheme in England. There are an estimated 2.5 million badges in circulation, allowing drivers to park on yellow lines as well as avoid parking and congestion charges. The changes will see local authorities gain more powers to seize badges they think are being misused.

Launching the scheme in London, Transport Minister Norman Baker said the measures were aimed at restoring credibility to the system.

"Local authorities have been swimming against the tide.Now we're giving them a lot more powers and we're going to end up with a new badge with many more security features."

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