Blue Badge holders should keep an eye on their permit's expiry date or risk being hit with a hefty fine.
The latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that there are currently over 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England and Scotland. The government has recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are now processed online.
For those needing to renew their Blue Badge this year, many may not be aware of a step to take to ensure a seamless transition from their old badge to a new one, maintaining uninterrupted validity. It is advised that badge holders apply for renewal 12 weeks before their current badge expires.
However, applying earlier will not impact the validity of their existing Blue Badge as the new one's start date will commence the day after the old one expires, reports the Daily Record.
Badge holders could face a £1,000 fine if they fail to update an expired badge. Displaying an out-of-date Blue Badge is considered 'misuse' and can lead to significant penalties.
The official guidance warns: "Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge."
It's also crucial to understand that after completing the online renewal process, which requires providing your existing Blue Badge details, personal information and eligibility criteria, you'll receive an email confirmation regarding whether your application has been successful. If approved, the email will also include instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council.
In England this costs £10, while in Scotland it costs £20 and those in Wales can receive it for free.
Once the payment has been made, you will then receive an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirming that your Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days.
The email also includes:
Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Official guidance adds: "Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You need to reapply for it every 3 years.
"Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge. Your local council processes your application and decides if you can get a Blue Badge.
"You should reapply 12 weeks before your badge expires."
The eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy to help more people park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger.
You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
You can start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process.
