Changes To The Blue Badge Scheme
Last updated: 15 May 2013 12:31 UK
A new Blue Badge is being launched from 1 January 2012 in England and Scotland and later in Wales. It is part of the UK Government’s reform programme.
The new badge will make it easier to crack down on fraud. It will make it easier for the severely disabled people who rely on the Blue Badge scheme to find a parking space. The changes will improve customer service and speed up the time it takes to renew Blue Badges.
The following changes will take effect from 1 January 2012 in England and Scotland:
Badges have been redesigned to make them harder to alter, copy or forge. The new badges will be made of a combination of PVC and PET instead of cardboard and will be more robust.
Badges will cost £10.00 to cover the costs of administration, production and postage. This is the first time the fee has been increased since 1983.
From 1 January 2012:
You will be able to apply for and renew a badge online via Directgov at http://www.direct.gov.uk/ Those applying and renewing online will be able to track the progress of their application. The address for people to use to access the online form will be www.direct.gov.uk/bluebadge
There will also be an eligibility checker for those who want to find out if they are eligible for a badge
Those who use the on-line application form can sign up for text and email reminders at renewal time
Applying for or renewing a badge might mean completing a different application form to one you may have completed before. This may also involve providing different information so that your local authority can process your application more effectively and take an informed decision about whether or not you need to have a mobility assessment
Portsmouth City Council will still be in charge of administering the Blue Badge scheme and issuing badges to Portsmouth residents.
From 1 April 2012, badge holders will be able to report lost and stolen badges and update changes to their details online.
From 5 September 2011, Independent Mobility Assessments were introduced which will help ensure that badges are issued fairly and consistently across the city. This method of assessment is being used country wide and will become mandatory from 1 April 2012.
If you'd like to know more, you can look at our frequently asked questions or contact us.
