I can understand that the authorities may need to "tighten up" a little (I do know at least one case where IMO a badge is in use without real need) but any such move must have clear guidelines, nationally applied, and a proper appeals process. No testing applied should be having the effects described in VTs' post of 3.52pm.

What would make a real contribution would be more effective control of the misuse by non badge-holders of badges belonging to other people. That abuse is widespread, and while the introduction of a photograph on the badge may help, the only thing that will really improve matters is for all of society to condemn the misbehaviour, as has slowly happened with drink-driving. If this abuse ceased I believe there could be a more generous attitude applied to the question of granting/not-granting a badge.