Three-month Blue Badge holder warning for drivers and passengers

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

There are currently more than 2.8million Blue Badge holders in England according to the latest statistics from the Department for Transport.

In 2019 the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include people with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy.

The permit enables people to 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should be made 12 weeks (three months) before it expires to ensure the new permit arrives before the current one is no longer valid, the Daily Record reports.

If Blue Badge holders continue to display it after it has expired they could face a hefty £1,000 fine. According to UK Government guidance, you “must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires.” READ MORE: Met Office issues ‘severe’ thunderstorm alert and warns of 'frequent lightning strikes' Every time you apply for a new badge your eligibility is assessed and you’ll need to provide documents include a proof of ID, proof of address, proof of benefits, as well as your National Insurance number and details of your current Blue Badge.