The UK Government has revealed that 90% of all Blue Badge applications are now being made via the online service. The Department for Transport has also highlighted its ongoing commitment to enhancing the digital service.
It says it is aiming to make online badge applications faster and more straightforward for both applicants and local authorities. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood further explained that this improvement programme also involves “undertaking specific research and testing to identify innovative improvements to the online application process”.
This information was shared in response to Reform UK MP Lee Anderson’s query about what measures are being implemented to “reduce processing times for applications to the Blue Badge digital service”. The most recent data from the Department for Transport states that there are currently over 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England.
In 2019, the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was broadened to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy. This move aimed to assist more people in parking closer to their destinations when they travel as a driver or a passenger, reports the Daily Record.
Blue Badge holders are being reminded that their permits expire after three years and must be renewed – a process that isn’t automatic. Motorists are advised to reapply 12 weeks before expiry to avoid a gap in validity.
Official guidance states: “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.”
In England the fee is up to £10, £20 in Scotland and in Wales, it’s free. Applications can be made online at the GOV.UK site.
You will require a recent digital photograph of your head and shoulders. Additionally, you’ll need:
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.