Blue Badge holders warned of £1,000 fine for parking error | Personal Finance | Finance

Blue Badge holders face fines of up to £1,000 for breaking easily forgotten rules. Moreover, misuse of the Blue Badge along with other traffic offenses can result in even more severe penalties.

The government has clarified the “rights and responsibilities” of the Blue Badge scheme, with slight variations in different parts of the UK. Key rules include using the permit as a driver or passenger, parking restrictions, rules for staying in a vehicle in a handicapped parking space, and whether the badge can be used by others.

There are special rules for off-street parking such as hospitals and supermarkets: signage must be followed in these areas. The blue badge allows a vehicle to park in many places where other motorists cannot, including on-street parking spaces, on-street pay and display spaces, handicap parking spaces, and on single or double yellow lines, the Daily Record reports. . .

Here are some important tips for using your blue badge correctly and six parking rules you should follow whether you’re a driver or a passenger. Full information about the correct use of the Blue Badge can be found on the GOV.UK website.

If you have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to get around safely, or if you have an underlying condition such as dementia, autism or Parkinson’s disease, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge. This will allow you to park closer to your destination.

Eligibility criteria include having a significant disability of at least 12 months’ duration that prevents you from walking or makes it very difficult for you to walk, drives a car regularly but is unable to use parking meters due to severe disability in both arms, or cares for a child under three years of age in need in medical care. treatment near a vehicle or use of bulky medical equipment. To apply you will need to submit an online application to your local council along with a recent digital photograph showing your head and shoulders.

You will also need to provide a photograph or scan of proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence), proof of address (such as a council tax bill or government letter). Alternatively, you can choose to check your local council’s electoral roll) and verify benefits if you receive them. You will also need to know your National Insurance number and details of your current Blue Badge if you are reapplying.

Once you have applied, your local council will review your application and tell you their decision. You can start the application process via GOV.UK here.