Blue badge rage

As a disabled blue badge holder, I always wonder why poorly informed people choose to air their opinions on the subject. Disabled people get a tough enough time of it without their comments (Webview, 14 July).

The blue badge is issued once you've been awarded disability living allowance; out of all the benefits there is none that takes so long to be decided on (many months), and, as the agency concerned says, this is because they don't want to make any mistakes, so there is no need for appeals.

Furthermore, it is sheer idiocy to suggest that disabled people should pay for parking on the grounds that they are no worse off than the "rest of us". Regardless of your personal financial situation, you'll look long and hard to find a disabled person whose disability does not mean them having to find considerable amounts of money to make their life more manageable.

With regard to your reader's suggestion of a photo being included on the badge - it is, on the reverse side for inspection by officials. Do you seriously think that because we are disabled we should display our photos publicly for the inspections of all? Paedophiles have more anonymity! Do you want our souls as well?

LORRAINE C SMITH

Lennox Road, Haddington, East Lothian