Overhaul of disabled badge laws sought

Chloe needs to be connected to an oxygen machine

The rules over disabled badges for car users should be changed, according to a Derby woman who has begun a campaign over the issue.

Bev Lomax is asking for her case to be reconsidered by the Department of Transport (DoT) after her daughter was turned down for a disabled car badge.

Chloe Lomax needs special equipment to help her breathe wherever she goes.

But the DoT says children under two cannot be considered for disabled badges.

Bev Lomax has to carry an oxygen cylinder

Chloe has spent half of her 13-month life in hospital having been born with Down's Syndrome, a hole in her heart and chronic lung disease.

The lung problems means she has to be constantly connected to an oxygen machine.

If she is taken out of the house an oxygen cylinder has to be taken as well.

The DoT says it cannot consider people for disabled badges before the age of two because every parent could argue they need extra help with children.

Ms Lomax said: "I can sort of understand where they are coming from, but I think they should look at cases on an individual basis and the equipment people need.

"I have to carry the cylinder, bags and pushchair and keep an eye on Anthony, my four-year-old son.

"When I get Chloe out of the car I have to lift her as a baby and carry the cylinder as well and in such a confined space I am scared about dropping her."

The DoT said it was reviewing the issue of badges for children under two.