Blue Badge three-month warning for drivers and passengers that could trigger £1,000 fine

Blue Badge holders have been warned of a deadline they must stick to or face a £1,000 fine. More than 2.8 million people who have a Blue Badge in England.

The permit enables people to park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver or a passenger. Eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include people with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy.

Blue Badges expire three years from the point of issue. But renewal is not automatic and needs to be made 12 weeks - or three months - before it is due to expire.

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This is to ensure a new permit arrives in time, Daily Record reports. Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired.

Displaying an out-of-date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time you make a renewal.

A Blue Badge is up to £10 in England, is free in Wales and is £20 in Scotland. 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 will 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 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. 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 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