The argument continues as to whether one driver is in more need of a blue badge than another.

The following extract from the Mid Sussex District Council website lays out the basiccriterion for the issue of a blue badge: "the blue badge scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties, who travel either as drivers or as passengers.

"The Scheme also applies to registered blind people and people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand.

"It allows badge holders to park close to their destination but these national concessions apply only to on-street parking.

"The criterion for eligibility is that a person must have severe mobility problems."

The solution is simple - allow the Department of Work and Pensions, which issues Disability Living Allowance, to issue the blue badge as well.

Disabled motorists who qualify for high rate mobility (severe mobility)already qualify for zero rate road tax.

Temporary blue badges could then be issuedat the discretion of aGP for short term illnesses.

Remember,a blue badge is only valid for the period you have severe mobility problems - not for life.

-John Watts, Peacehaven