Latest news with #BlueBadge
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Blue Badge holders will soon be able to park in new location after rule change
The Department for Transport has issued an update on the use of Blue Badges in Europe, meaning UK drivers with a disability can use their parking permits abroad Blue Badge holders might soon be able to use their permits abroad, thanks to a proposed overhaul by the Labour Party government. The Department for Transport has refreshed its guidance just in time for the peak of the summer holiday rush this week. The latest word from Labour gives the green light for UK drivers with disability parking permits to be welcomed in over 25 European nations. This could spell good news for approximately 2.8 million Blue Badge holders planning a jaunt overseas. Countries rolling out the scheme for Brits include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden, all giving the thumbs up to the badges. Switzerland is also on board, though it asks visitors to pair the badge with a parking clock when they park up. Denmark is happy to accept British Blue Badges but insists on the use of a parking disc, while Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Romania are open to parking cards from outside the EU as well, although France may turn up its nose at non-EU permits, reports Birmingham Live. The DfT advised: "We recommend that you carry any supporting documentation that may be required, such as a doctor's note or a translation of your Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules." When it comes to Spain, UK Blue Badge recognition is a local affair, says the DfT. Those with disabilities have the opportunity to snag, renew, or hold special driving licences based on necessary adaptations, restrictions, or other conditions related to individuals, vehicles, or traffic situations. Drivers from other nations, navigating Spanish roads, must adhere to the stipulations outlined in their driving licences, Spain asserts. The statement said: "Wheelchair users, People with walking difficulty, People with vision impairment, People with mental health issues, learning disabilities. "The parking card is granted to people for which an impossibility to perform by themselves a number of basic vital tasks has been certified. Please note that parking cards might be granted to people with no driver license." Parking concessions differ in each country, the DfT notes, with information accessible via parking card for people with disabilities in the European Union, and the FIA guide for the disabled traveller: using parking permits, cards and placards in the EU and EEA. Once official, this will make it easier for people with or without visible disabilities to park in places close to where they are, without having to worry about finding suitable parking.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Blue Badge renewal tip means parking permit is always valid and never at risk of fine
Local councils across Great Britain issue Blue Badges to people for up to three years. The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Transport and Transport Scotland show that there are currently more than 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779). The Scottish figure may be much higher as the most recent data was published in November 2021. The UK Government recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are being made through the online service. For users of the scheme due to renew this year they may not be aware of a nifty way to ensure a seamless transition from the old badge to the new one which ensures the permit is always valid. Badge holders are advised to renew 12 weeks before the expiry date, however, doing it earlier has no impact on your existing Blue Badge as the start date will be the day after the current one expires. Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired. This is because displaying an out of date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Transport Scotland guidance states: 'Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.' It's also worth noting that once you have completed the renewal process online, which involves providing details of your existing Blue Badge, personal details and eligibility criteria, you will receive an email confirming whether or not you have been successful. If you have, the email will also include instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council - in Scotland this is £20. It costs up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. Once the payment has been made, you will then receive an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirming that your Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days. The email also include: Name of your local authority issuing the Badge Badge number Badge start date Badge expiry date If your Blue Badge is due to expire in September or October, you can renew it now and have peace of mind that you won't forget - or run the risk of a fine. Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on explains: '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.' The eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy to help more people park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger. How to renew a Blue Badge online You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You will 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
South Wales Argus
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
European countries Blue Badges can be recognised for parking
If heading to the likes of Portugal or Croatia soon, your Blue Badge could make parking that little bit easier when heading out to explore. However, advises that before visiting a country, you should always check whether it recognises the UK Blue Badge. It explains: 'Some countries may require you to display a local parking notice as well as your Blue Badge.' Popular countries in Europe where Blue Badges could be used Let's take a look at just some of the most popular countries in Europe where your Blue Badge could be recognised: Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark - you must use a parking disc (clock) if using parking time concessions Estonia Finland Germany Hungary Ireland Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Sweden Switzerland - you must use a parking disc (clock) if using parking time concessions says France 'may not recognise non-EU issued parking cards' while in Italy 'non-EU parking cards accepted in some regions only'. You can see the full list of European countries where Blue Badges are recognised for parking on the website. Blue Badge user rules UK travellers can also find links to each country's rules when it comes to parking for disabled people and Blue Badges. states: 'Even in countries that recognise the Blue Badge, parking rules can vary in different parts of the country. Rules can also change, and some countries may have changed their rules since the pages linked to this guidance page were published (June 26). 'You should research local parking regulations or get in touch with the relevant local authority for specific information. 'Local tourist information centres can also provide advice on parking rules for disabled people and may tell you about any specific requirements or restrictions in the area you are visiting.' Recommended reading: adds: 'We recommend that you carry any supporting documentation that may be required, such as a doctor's note or a translation of your Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules.' When parking in European countries, Brits should always look for any signage indicating disabled parking spaces. Additionally, make sure that your Blue Badge is displayed correctly and that you comply with any additional requirements, such as displaying a parking disc in countries such as Denmark.
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Powys County Times
Powys parking charges will 'kill the town' says councillor
Welshpool Town Council has criticised new car parking charges being introduced to Powys, with one member saying it will 'kill the town'. At a full council meeting on July 23, Welshpool councillors raised issues they had with planned car parking charges being introduced to the town as part of changes following Powys Council's car parking review. Cllr Sally Fitzgerald said: 'This has upset an awful lot of people. It's going to kill the town. Local business owners are really worried about charges going up. 'There's not enough footfall in town as it is and this would be detrimental to the town as residents would rather go somewhere like Oswestry other than Welshpool. I really don't understand why Powys are doing this because it's not good." Welshpool mayor Cllr Phil Owen added: 'How in the name of all that's reasonable can Powys apply blanket parking charges to an area the size of this with a sparsely populated area with a lot of rural inhabitants coming into town without adequate transport. 'We're diverse in terms of people's income, their daily usage of the car park and their basic transport facilities. How are we the same as someone in an area with an entirely different economy to ours. It's insane.' Councillors also considered the issue a problem in tackling illegal parking, driving footfall to the town and inconveniencing people who work and volunteer in Welshpool on a regular basis. 'Powys Council are out for every penny they can get with car parks' said Cllr Alison Davies. 'Look at the 10k event. Last year it was a real problem as they couldn't get everyone to pay because the machines were so slow. 'It's a real problem on the town and on everyone who's employed but also look at volunteers in charity shops, which we have plenty of. Consider the cost for transport and cost of parking for someone doing that.' Cllr David France also criticised the charges in addition to changes to parking for Blue Badge holders, who will also need to purchase a pay and display ticket in council car parks. He said: 'We'd all like car parks to be free, while we know money has to come from somewhere, another part that bothers me is the council now asking for disabled people to pay for parking. 'I understand that money will have to come from somewhere but don't make it off the backs of disabled and vulnerable people.'
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Powys County Times
Dodge driver spared prison over Newtown Tesco car park death
A driver in his 80s has been spared prison for causing the death of a disabled man after running him over in a supermarket car park. David Christopher Lumb was 78 when he died in hospital from sepsis more than a fortnight after he was tragically knocked down by an automatic red Dodge Nitro SUV driven by 81-year-old Timothy Field outside Tesco in Newtown on March 18 last year. Blue Badge holder Field was waiting for Mr Lumb's wife to vacate a disabled parking bay when his foot became wedged between the brake and the accelerator. "Blunt Yorkshireman" Mr Lumb was making his way to his wife's car when he was knocked to the ground by the vehicle which again launched forward over his legs before hitting another car. The incident was captured on CCTV. Carno pensioner Mr Lumb, who was seen laughing and didn't think he was seriously injured, was taken to hospital but by April 3, his condition deteriorated as the tissue in his leg died and he was in "complete agony", Caernarfon Crown Court was told. Mr Lumb opted for end-of-life care and died on April 4 with "a smile on his face", his widow said. Dr Jean Lumb told the court that her husband remained cheerful after the collision and "never expressed resentment towards the driver". She explained that he was a "tremendous" role model for people in adversity, using his dry humour. Mr Lumb's widow travelled to Australia in April, the first anniversary of his death, to celebrate 45 years of marriage, where she suffered a heart attack and spent five weeks in hospital in Canberra. "When I comforted Mr Field [at the scene of the crash], I assured him that we were not pressing charges," she said. "I still feel the same; that he had his punishment. I ask for compassion and leniency." Her Honour Judge Nicola Jones praised Dr Lumb for her strength of character following the tragic death of her beloved husband. "You were very lucky to have a man like David in your life," she said. "He seems to have been a quietly remarkable man. "But I will say that you are a remarkable woman who has shown resilience and compassion and forgiveness which we don't often see in this court. That's a reflection of you and David. Defence barrister Owen Edwards KC echoed the judge's words about Dr Lumb, adding that Field was "grateful beyond measure" for her "remarkable approach". Mr Edwards said: "His gratitude is extended because of her kindness in being willing to see him at the crown court but also requesting to see him. "They had an hour together and, in that context, when he found out for the first time that she had suffered a heart attack his immediate comment was 'well, that must have brought it along'. It's the measure of guilt that he feels. "He is a broken man as a result of this and he has had a similar medical history, with two strokes. He was dealing that with resilience until this incident and is now wheelchair-bound partly by the loss of spirit. "That has seemed to some extent been remedied by meeting Dr Lumb. He could not believe that people like her existed. "He's lived with the pressure of a prison sentence which he accepts. What he couldn't live with was what he has brought about. He is somebody who considers road safety as paramount importance. "The public must know that this is not a case where a man hasn't suffered punishment. He has suffered his punishment. He has given up his licence and will never drive again." Judge Jones told Field that he came to court ready to go to prison "and that would have been for himself some recompense for the death of Mr Lumb. But I am not sending him immediately to prison today". She sentenced Field to eight months in prison which was suspended for 12 months after he admitted causing Mr Lumb's death by careless driving at an earlier hearing. "The punishment is having to live with the death of Mr Lumb for the rest of your life," the judge explained.
