Disabled, everything changes for car permits: the new platform and the Cude
The Italian government is implementing a new national system to streamline car permit processes for drivers with disabilities, aiming to facilitate their mobility across the country and within the EU.
The Italian government is working on a new national system designed to simplify the vehicle permit process for motorists with disabilities. This initiative aims to enable individuals to apply for and receive their parking permits at home and grants them the ability to use these permits outside their municipality for parking and gaining access to low traffic areas without the risk of fines. Introduced in 2012, the European Unique Disabled Badge (Cude) is meant to assist the disabled in moving freely throughout Italy and within EU countries while having the right to park in designated areas and access restricted traffic zones without complications. However, existing hurdles complicate its use.
Currently, the Cude is issued by the disabled person's local municipality, and challenges arise when they travel to another city. Often, disabled drivers find themselves needing to declare their license plates before entering a restricted traffic zone to avoid the chance of receiving a fine, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles they face. The government's proposed system aims to address these issues by creating a more streamlined process that enhances the autonomy and accessibility of disabled drivers.
This initiative not only seeks to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in Italy but may also set a precedent for how such matters are handled across the EU. By eliminating redundant restrictions and making the permit system more user-friendly, the government hopes to foster greater inclusivity and respect for the mobility rights of those with disabilities, ensuring their participation in everyday activities without administrative burdens that hinder their freedom of movement.