New Blue Badge update for people making a first-time claim or due to renew this year
Local councils across Great Britain issue Blue Badges to people for up to three years.
The UK Government recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are being made through the online service. The Department for Transport also said it runs a 'programme of continuous improvement to the digital service to make online badge applications quicker and easier for applicants and local authorities'.
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood added that this programme also includes 'undertaking specific research and testing to identify innovative improvements to the online application process'.
The written response came after Reform UK MP Lee Anderson asked what steps are being taken to 'reduce processing times for applications to the Blue Badge digital service'.
The Blue Badge Digital Service offers a national online application and badge management facility through GOV.UK. The latest statistics from the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland show there are currently more than 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779).
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.
Most users will be aware their Blue Badge has an expiry date of three years from the point of issue, however, many may not be aware that renewal is not automatic and an application should be made 12 weeks (three months) before it expires to ensure the new permit arrives before the current one is no longer valid.
Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired. This is because displaying an out of date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Transport Scotland guidance states: 'Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.'
Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on MyGov.Scot explains: '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.'
A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland, up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. You can reapply for your Blue Badge on the GOV.UK site here.
How to renew a Blue Badge online
You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
You'll also need a photo or scan of your:
proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
proof of benefits (if you get any)
You will also need to know:
your National Insurance number (if you have one)
the details of your current Blue Badge
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.
Change of details
You should contact your local council if there's a change to your:
name
address
council area
contact details
Top 10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge
You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don't you are committing a crime
You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger
No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them
If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space
You must not let other people use your badge
You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down
You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out
If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one
Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council
Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there
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