Warning as Blue Badge holders told they must act soon or risk £1,000 fine

Blue Badge holders could look a hefty good if they proceed to show it aft it has expired - and galore whitethorn not cognize they request to bash thing 3 months earlier their licence runs out

Over 2.8 cardinal radical successful England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779), are presently Blue Badge holders.

It's a fig that could beryllium importantly higher for Scotland since the latest statistic are from implicit 3 years ago, dating backmost to November 2021. In an hold of inclusivity, the eligibility for a Blue Badge widened successful 2019 to besides encompass those with 'invisible' disabilities, specified arsenic Parkinson's, dementia, and epilepsy, offering galore the convenience of parking nearer to desired locations, whether they are drivers oregon passengers.

It's wide known among badge holders that their licence expires aft 3 years, yet what immoderate mightiness not realise is that renewal doesn't hap by magic; you request to reapply astatine slightest 12 weeks anterior to expiration to debar a spread successful validity. Those who propulsion their luck and showcase an expired Blue Badge hazard being deed with a whopping £1,000 good owed to this being considered 'misuse'.

Clear guidelines from Transport Scotland declare: "Misuse of a badge is simply a crime. You whitethorn beryllium prosecuted if you misuse a badge." Those with a Blue Badge expiring earlier the extremity of April 2025 are urged to taxable their renewal signifier promptly to debar expiry, counting from contiguous that's a recommended 12 weeks successful advance.

Bear successful mind, with each exertion renewal, eligibility is reassessed. The Government reminds users: "Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You request to reapply for it each 3 years. Your eligibility volition beryllium checked each clip you reapply. This is to marque definite you tin inactive get a Blue Badge. Your section assembly processes your exertion and decides if you tin get a Blue Badge.

"You should reapply 12 weeks earlier your badge expires." A Blue Badge successful Scotland costs £20, portion successful England the interest is up to £10, and Welsh residents person theirs for free. If you request to reapply, caput implicit to the GOV.UK site, reports the Daily Record.

When it comes to renewing your Blue Badge online, you'll request a caller integer photograph of your caput and shoulders, a photograph oregon scan of impervious of identity, and details of immoderate changes to your situation. The process allows for redeeming your advancement if you request to stitchery the indispensable documents, enabling you to travel backmost and implicit your exertion later.

If determination are updates to your circumstances, retrieve to notify your section assembly promptly. And lastly, present are the apical 10 reminders for utilizing your Blue Badge correctly.