Latest news with #BlueBadge
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
New Blue Badge parking warning to over three million users across the UK
There are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge holders in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For every designated Blue Badge parking bay in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are currently 52 permit holders requiring access, warns after analysing new data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to UK councils. The data revealed there are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge permit holders in the UK, in comparison with 63,000 designated Blue Badge parking bays. Due to rising demand for accessible parking, m has created an online tool to help people find the nearest one - whatever their location. That's as the rate of new applications for Blue Badge permits has increased by 31 per cent between 2022 and 2024. In total, 1.3m new applications were made between 2022 and 2024, on top of the 1.5m renewal applications also made for existing holders. research also found that of the 2.8m applications made between 2022 and 20249 for both new and renewals, 245,566 were rejected. These were recorded for several reasons, including: Blue Badge holders and parking bays across UK As of 2024, the number of Blue Badge spaces and permit holders across the UK, includes: Scotland Number of Blue Badge holders: 271,966 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 16,808 England Number of Blue Badge holders: 2,635,428 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 43,604 Wales Number of Blue Badge holders: 219,614 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 2,588 Northern Ireland Number of Blue Badge holders: 149,038 Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: Not available When it comes to the number of Blue Badge spaces available for those who need them, it's also important to be aware of the growing number of people wrongly using the designated parking spot. There have been 705,310 PCNs (Penalty Charge Notices) distributed for the misuse of Blue Badge parking bays. Blue badges are designed to make life easier for people with mobility issues, but for many, finding a space can sometimes be tricky. A survey found that a third (36%) of Blue Badge holders said they have turned up somewhere needing to park, only to find someone without a Blue Badge already in the space. Around the same number (34%) said there simply aren't enough accessible spaces in their area. When there's no space available, two-thirds (65%) said they have had no choice but to park in a standard space. But that doesn't always work - especially when extra room is needed to get out of the car. Worryingly, two-in-five (40%) have even had to leave a car park altogether because there were no accessible bays free. A third (36%) said they have avoided visiting certain places because they weren't sure they'd be able to park nearby. In response to their findings, have created a look-up tool to help Blue Badge holders find out how many designated parking bays are available in their local council area. Users can also use the tool to look up Blue Badge spaces in their area using the map online here. Commenting on the findings, Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at car insurance, said: 'Blue Badge parking spaces are essential for millions of drivers across the UK, but our latest research shows how easily that system struggles. 'This is especially highlighted when there isn't enough availability, and other drivers take advantage of the spaces. Shockingly, for every one Blue Badge parking bay in the UK, there are 52 permit holders who need access to it. 'If you're using a Blue Badge space without needing one, even for just a few minutes, you could be stopping someone from being able to work, shop, or attend a medical appointment. It's clear that more needs to be done, both to increase the number of accessible bays and to prevent misuse. 'If you're caught using a Blue Badge space without a permit, you could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) costing between £70 and £100.'
ITV News
a day ago
- Automotive
- ITV News
Bus gates: The next step of Bristol's controversial liveable neighbourhood scheme
The controversial low traffic area in East Bristol has finally been completed after cameras to three bus gates have been switched on. The new bus gates introduced as part of the controversial Liveable Neighbourhood scheme must now be used by motorists. The gates are located halfway down Marsh Lane, and then on either side of the junction with Avonvale Road, on the corner next to Banksy's Valentine's Day mural. Bristol City Council has confirmed that the CCTV cameras installed at these sites are now operational, but they have already been vandalised. What are the new rules? All the bus gates are in use 24-hours a day, seven days a week. They mean that the only road users who can travel through the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood (EBLN) are: Buses Emergency vehicles Bicycles Solo motorcycles Taxis Residents of the EBLN area whose vehicle has a disabled tax class (must apply for an exemption) Professional carers who work in homes of people who live within the EBLN area (must apply for an exemption) Residents of the EBLN area who have a Blue Badge registered to their address can nominate one vehicle (must apply for an exemption) Residents of the EBLN area who are on a low income, who meet the eligibility criteria and need to drive to work (must apply for an exemption) Parents or carers who live within the EBLN area who receive a personal travel budget for their child with SEND (the council will contact eligible residents) Although the bus gate cameras are now working, motorists caught driving through the area without an exemption will be sent a warning letter rather than being fined for the first few weeks. What is the liveable neighbourhood scheme? This step marks the start of the six-month pilot scheme of the EBLN, which has been designed to achieve a better balance between how streets are used for vehicles and people. It's the first liveable neighbourhood project in the city and aims to make the streets safer and less polluted. The deputy leader of Bristol City Council, Cllr Heather Mack, said: 'By stopping drivers from cutting through residential roads, and by encouraging more people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter journeys or to use public transport, including the new number 16 bus that goes right through the trial area, local residential streets should be safer and quieter." Why is it so controversial? Two of the signs for the bus gates were vandalised shortly after they were installed, with the words "no poor people allowed" spray-painted across them. The cameras themselves have now also been vandalised, just hours after they were installed. Some local residents have strongly opposed the plans, claiming it will make life "unnecessarily difficult" and create a "wealth divide" within the community. Police were needed earlier this year when contractors were blocked from carrying out work. Cllr Mack described it as a "very difficult situation" and acknowledged that the council hadn't expected the extent of the opposition. She told ITV News West Country: "I think the level of protest did come from a lack of trust in how the scheme developed and I think we should have expected that and reacted more quickly for that protest."In a statement, she noted: 'I live in the area myself, and I came and listened to people across the trial area and recognised there was a risk we hadn't responded to concerns some community members had, especially those on low incomes and disabled people.'As a result, we have put together a boosted range of travel offers and bus gate exemptions, and I really urge everyone who thinks they could be eligible to check the criteria and apply as soon as possible.'The travel offers, which include a choice of £250 of First Bus tickets or £150 to spend on a reconditioned bike, are available for households in the trial area who receive certain benefits. This is on top of £100 of First Bus tickets that every household across the EBLN will receive through the post soon."
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
Warning to anyone with Blue Badge over ‘misunderstood rule' that could land you with £1,000 fine or see you lose permit
BLUE Badge holders have been issued a warning over a "misunderstood rule" that could leave drivers with a £1000 fine. The Blue Badge scheme was set up to help those with mobility issues by allowing them easier access to parking. 2 2 However, there is often confusion over when it can be used, with recent figures from the RAC revealing that theft and misuse of Blue Badges has risen by a over 1000% since 2016. Where Can Blue Badge Holders Park? It is often wrongly assumed that having a Blue Badge allows you to park anywhere. However, this is not the case. Blue Badge holders are not permitted to park anywhere where their vehicle could endanger others or obstruct access, such as near junctions, bus stops, or the entrance to hospitals. Where To Display a Blue Badge Blue Badge holders must always ensure to display their badge clearly on the dashboard, with the relevant details on show. Some people mistakenly think that its OK to borrow a Blue Badge from someone, or use it whilst the holder is not present, but this is not the case. People who use someone else's Blue Badge, when the badge holder is not in the car could be subject to a £1000 fine. Using a badge that has expired and failing to return a badge that is no longer needed can also lead to hefty fines. How To Get A Blue Badge In England, Wales and Scotland, you can apply for a Blue Badge on the website. Some people qualify for the badge automatically, whilst others are assessed on an individual basis. Local councils are in charge of assessing eligibility for badges, with applications taking up to 12 weeks. If the council decides you are not eligible for the badge, you can request them to reconsider your application. Badges in England cost £10, whilst in Scotland, they are priced at £20. Badges in Wales are free. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Blue Badges in England and Wales typically last for three years, after which holders must reapply. However, some badges are valid until the end of certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payments. Reminders of expiration are not sent out to badge holders, so you have to keep an eye on the date yourself, and apply for renewal 12 weeks in advance.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Warning to anyone with Blue Badge over ‘misunderstood rule' that could land you with £1,000 fine or see you lose permit
Scroll down to find out how to apply for a Blue Badge FARE GAME Warning to anyone with Blue Badge over 'misunderstood rule' that could land you with £1,000 fine or see you lose permit Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BLUE Badge holders have been issued a warning over a "misunderstood rule" that could leave drivers with a £1000 fine. The Blue Badge scheme was set up to help those with mobility issues by allowing them easier access to parking. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Blue Badges are given to those with mobility issues Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett 2 Your Blue Badge must be clearly displayed Credit: Alamy However, there is often confusion over when it can be used, with recent figures from the RAC revealing that theft and misuse of Blue Badges has risen by a over 1000% since 2016. Where Can Blue Badge Holders Park? It is often wrongly assumed that having a Blue Badge allows you to park anywhere. However, this is not the case. Blue Badge holders are not permitted to park anywhere where their vehicle could endanger others or obstruct access, such as near junctions, bus stops, or the entrance to hospitals. Where To Display a Blue Badge Blue Badge holders must always ensure to display their badge clearly on the dashboard, with the relevant details on show. Some people mistakenly think that its OK to borrow a Blue Badge from someone, or use it whilst the holder is not present, but this is not the case. People who use someone else's Blue Badge, when the badge holder is not in the car could be subject to a £1000 fine. Using a badge that has expired and failing to return a badge that is no longer needed can also lead to hefty fines. How To Get A Blue Badge In England, Wales and Scotland, you can apply for a Blue Badge on the website. Some people qualify for the badge automatically, whilst others are assessed on an individual basis. My car was towed from disabled parking spot even though I have a badge - I had to pay £100s but it's the council's fault Local councils are in charge of assessing eligibility for badges, with applications taking up to 12 weeks. If the council decides you are not eligible for the badge, you can request them to reconsider your application. Badges in England cost £10, whilst in Scotland, they are priced at £20. Badges in Wales are free. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Blue Badges in England and Wales typically last for three years, after which holders must reapply. However, some badges are valid until the end of certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payments. Reminders of expiration are not sent out to badge holders, so you have to keep an eye on the date yourself, and apply for renewal 12 weeks in advance.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Warning to anyone with Blue Badge over ‘misunderstood rule' that could land you with £1,000 fine or see you lose permit
BLUE Badge holders have been issued a warning over a "misunderstood rule" that could leave drivers with a £1000 fine. The Blue Badge scheme was set up to help those with mobility issues by allowing them easier access to 2 Blue Badges are given to those with mobility issues Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett 2 Your Blue Badge must be clearly displayed Credit: Alamy However, there is often confusion over when it can be used, with recent figures from the Where Can Blue Badge Holders Park? It is often wrongly assumed that having a Blue Badge allows you to park anywhere. However, this is not the case. Blue Badge holders are not permitted to park anywhere where their vehicle could endanger others or obstruct access, such as near junctions, bus stops, or the entrance to hospitals. Read more motors stories Where To Display a Blue Badge Blue Badge holders must always ensure to display their badge clearly on the dashboard, with the relevant details on show. Some people mistakenly think that its OK to borrow a Blue Badge from someone, or use it whilst the holder is not present, but this is not the case. People who use someone else's Blue Badge, when the badge holder is not in the car could be subject to a £1000 fine. Using a badge that has expired and failing to return a badge that is no longer needed can also lead to hefty fines. Most read in Fabulous How To Get A Blue Badge In England, Some people qualify for the badge automatically, whilst others are assessed on an individual basis. My car was towed from disabled parking spot even though I have a badge - I had to pay £100s but it's the council's fault Local councils are in charge of assessing eligibility for badges, with applications taking up to 12 weeks. If the council decides you are not eligible for the badge, you can request them to reconsider your application. Badges in England cost £10, whilst in Scotland, they are priced at £20. Badges in Wales are free. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Entitledto's and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Blue Badges in England and Wales typically last for three years, after which holders must reapply. However, some badges are valid until the end of certain benefits, such as Personal Independence Payments . Reminders of expiration are not sent out to badge holders, so you have to keep an eye on the date yourself, and apply for renewal 12 weeks in advance.
