An overhaul of the blue badge scheme for disabled people has been cautiously welcomed by the county’s access group.

Welsh Assembly minister for the economy and transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, announced a wide-ranging plan to improve the scheme this week.

Eligibility will be extended to children aged under three, people with temporary conditions, following a joint replacement for example, and to new groups of disabled people.

The Assembly will work with local authorities to streamline the application and administration process, as well as looking at ways to tackle abuse of the scheme.

Secretary of Pembroke-shire Access Group, Pierce Murphy, said that the changes are welcome, but problems still remain.

He said: “One of our concerns is that efforts to counter abuse are making access to blue badges more difficult for those with genuine need.”

He added that often the problem is with drivers who park in disabled bays when they are not entitled to.

“We have seen an improvement in the availability of designated spaces, but frequently experience abuse by non-blue badge holders.”

Pembrokeshire access officer, Alan Hunt, who works closely with disabled groups across the county, said: “Pemb-rokeshire Access Group welcomes any reform, but without having a proper look at the full plan, it is difficult to pick out specific features. There are elements of it that are good, but what is missing is beefing up the control of abuse of it.

“We are pleased that the Assembly is now doing something.”

The blue badge scheme was set up 40 years ago to help disabled people to park close to the facilities and services they need.

The changes could take five years to deliver, but some areas will be prioritised for early implementation.