MOTORISTS have been issued a stark warning about the use of Blue Badges, with rule breakers facing £1,000 fines.
There are now nearly three million badge holders in the UK and some have already been penalised under the rules – here’s what you need to know.
What you need to check before parking your car
Drivers with blue badges may assume that they can park anywhere but that’s not always the case.
Different rules may apply in various locations so it is best to check before parking your car.
Mobility expert, Daniel Swain from Seacroft Mobility, explained to Birmingham Live : “It’s a really common problem.
“Most people think their Blue Badge is a licence to park anywhere for free, but that’s just not the case.
“Different councils, and even different car parks, have their own rules.
“A simple mistake could cost you hundreds in fines or, in the worst cases, result in your badge being taken away.”
The most common mistakes to avoid
A Blue Badge doesn’t always guarantee free parking in a private car park, like at a supermarket or hospital.
Before you travel to a new place, check the local council’s website for specific rules.
And once you get there – always read the signs as you might still have to pay or register your car.
Even when you can park on a yellow line, there’s usually a time limit of three hours.
If you don’t display your parking clock showing your arrival time, you can be fined – put them on the dashboard so they are easily seen.
You can only display your Blue Badge if the person it was issued to is in the car, either as a driver or a passenger.
It’s a criminal offence to lend it to a family member or friend to do an errand for you. Don’t do it, as it could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Finally, if your badge is faded or damaged, make sure to replace it from your local council to avoid any problems.
The drivers that might be eligible for a Blue Badge
The Blue Badge Scheme helps disabled people by letting them park vehicles near the place they want to go.
You may be able to get a badge if you have a disability which means
you are not able to walk or if you have a great difficulty walking from your car to where you want to go.
If you are likely to come to harm when you are walking or are likely to harm someone when you are walking you may eligible too.
You can also get a badge if you are registered blind, or are getting certain benefits,
Or if you get some categories of PIP or if you became disabled while you were serving in the armed forces.
Children may also be able to get a Blue Badge if they are over 2 years old and have a great difficulty in walking.
For further information check your local council.