Plans for an EU-wide parking card for the disabled, approved by the European Parliament earlier this year, have cleared the final hurdle. They will now come into force following agreement by EU Employment and Social Affairs Ministers earlier this month.
As from January 1st, 1999, the member states will recognise cards used in other countries. A new EU standard card will come into force at the beginning of the year 2000, containing a symbol of a wheelchair on a dark blue background, the reverse of the card containing the owner's signature.
Rules governing the criteria for the issue of cards will continue to be the responsibility of the member states.
