To me, the ability to park at the hospital both nearer where I need to be and for free are all I need for my badge to be worth it. I occasionally need the additional time for on street parking and occasionally benefit from parking in Truro centre rather than paid car parks (where I’d be knackered before reaching a shop) but with the NHS apparently rolling out free parking for all hospitals that’s enough for me.
There are always examples of people appearing to be far too fit and healthy to need a blue badge but we don’t see them all day/every day. I’ve had funny looks for parking in a spot as I can walk with a stick (even if at snails pace) but nobody sees the cocktail of drugs I need to take just to manage the weekly shop or the hours of pain afterwards.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark