Millions of people with hidden disabilities, such as dementia and anxiety will soon by able to apply for blue badge parking permits in England.
The Department for Transport said it will extend its Blue Badge Scheme from 30 August 2019, to include people with invisible illnesses.
This will include those with mental health problems, such as depression and those in "severe psychological distress".
But despite the new criteria, local authorities will still have the final say on who does and does not qualify.
Around 2.35 million people in the UK currently have blue badge permits because they have physical mobility difficulties or are registered blind.
These permits help them access goods and services, by allowing them to park closer to their destination.
Under the changes, more people with invisible disabilities will be able to benefit from this, making everyday tasks easier and reducing loneliness and isolation.
Scotland and Wales have already implemented similar rules to include some mental impairments, but the criteria is yet to be altered in Northern Ireland.
The UK Government said it would provide an extra £1.7million to help councils cope with the expected increase in applications.
Under the new guidance, permits will be extended to those with hidden disabilities, including:
- People who cannot travel without risk of serious harm to their health and safety or someone else's (such as young children with autism)
- People who cannot travel without "very considerable psychological distress"
- People who have very considerable difficulty when walking, meaning "both the physical act and experience of walking"
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said he hoped the change would make "a real difference to people's lives".
"As a society we don't do enough for people with hidden disabilities," he said.
The changes follow an 8-week consultation in 2018 and forms part of the Government's drive for greater parity between physical and mental health.
It will also include a review into how councils can tackle Blue Badge fraud which has risen by 45% in the past twelve months.
Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said the extension of the scheme would mark a "watershed moment" and would allow people to travel "with greater ease and live more independent lives".
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, said the review would help it "crack down on dishonest motorists".
