Blue Badge warning as millions of drivers need to renew permit or face £1,000 fine

Recent data from the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland indicates that there are over 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779). The actual figure for Scotland could be higher as the latest figures were recorded in November 2021.

In 2019, the eligibility for the Blue Badge was expanded to include individuals with non-visible disabilities including Parkinson's disease, dementia, and epilepsy. This permit allows people to park nearer their destinations when they are either drivers or passengers.

Many badge holders might not know that their Blue Badges have an expiry date of three years from issue and the renewal process is not automatic. An application should be made 12 weeks, or three months, before it expires to ensure that the new permit arrives before the current one becomes invalid.

If badge holders continue using it after its expiry, they could face a hefty fine of £1,000.

This rule exists because displaying an outdated Blue Badge is considered 'misuse'. According to guidance from Transport Scotland: "Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.", reports the Daily Record.

Furthermore, every time a renewal application is submitted, eligibility for the Blue Badge is reviewed. As outlined on MyGov.Scot: "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."

Getting a Blue Badge in Scotland costs £20, while it could fetch up to £10 in England, but in Wales, it's free. Reapplications for the Blue Badge can be made on this GOV.UK site.

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