Transport secretary Grant Shapps has pledged to make roads “accessible for all” as he marked the 50th anniversary of a law introducing blue badges.
He described the parking permits, used by more than 2.8 million people across the UK, as “a lifeline”.
Mr Shapps said: “The blue badge scheme is a lifeline for so many disabled people. It makes transport easier to access for those who really need it.
“Having extended the blue badge scheme for hidden disabilities last year, I am determined that this Government will do even more to ensure the UK’s roads are safe and accessible for all.”
Accessibility minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “A lot has been achieved in the last 50 years to help disabled people, but we must continue to do more.
“This scheme, along with our inclusive transport strategy, is at the heart of this Government’s transport agenda.”
Department for Transport figures published in December showed prosecutions of motorists in England misusing blue badges reached 1,432 in the year ending on March 31, up nearly a fifth compared with the previous 12 months.
Nearly all cases involved someone using another person’s badge.
