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1 month ago
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Blue Badge holders across the UK could be affected by significant changes to road tax coming into effect next month. From April 1, the standard rate of road tax for cars registered after April 2017 will increase by £5 to £195 a year.
The exact amount will depend on the year your car was registered and the type of fuel it uses. EVs registered from April 2025 will pay the lowest rate of £10 in the first year, then move to the standard rate - the standard rate will also apply to EVs first registered after April 2017.
Experts are reminding Blue Badge holders that they can claim an exemption when applying for vehicle tax. Matt Fieldhouse, Car Expert at Mobility in Motion, is urging Blue Badge holders who registered an EV vehicle in the last eight years to check their exemption entitlement now or potentially lose out on a saving of £195.
Matt explained: "An estimated 1.35 million disabled drivers who are reliant on public charging points for their EVs or hybrid vehicles could wrongly fork out £195 in road tax this April."
The introduction of this new tax for vehicles registered in the last eight years could see Blue Badge holders incorrectly paying out up to £250 million in road tax across the UK.
Many Blue Badge holders in the UK may be exempt from paying vehicle tax. According to GOV.UK, this is the case if you already get:
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (CDP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
Blue Badge holders should take note of a 50 percent reduction they can claim if they receive the PIP standard rate mobility component or the ADP standard rate mobility component.
Where to claim your tax exemption
Matt explained: "If you are claiming this exemption for a vehicle for the first time, this must be claimed at a Post Office that manages vehicle tax."
You can call the Post Office and ask for the closest branch to you that deals with vehicle tax, reports the Daily Record.
Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?
Those with physical disabilities or health conditions like dementia, autism, or Parkinson's could be eligible for a Blue Badge, allowing them to park nearer to their destinations without charge in disabled bays and avoid some other restrictions.
Parents of toddlers requiring close vehicle proximity for medical reasons also get a look in, for example, if you're responsible for a child under three years old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around. Similarly, if you have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge.
You can sign up to get the latest London road traffic news and live updates sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team. This will include everything from the M25 and major A-roads to high streets.
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How can I use my Blue Badge?
This badge allows you to park in certain restricted areas for free, including at on-street parking meters, in pay and display bays, in disabled parking spaces, and on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions.
You can use your Blue Badge in most other countries too. If you're using your Blue Badge in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock - this comes with your Blue Badge.
How to apply for a Blue Badge
You can apply for a Blue Badge online, but those with a mental condition are advised to speak directly to their local council for guidance on the application process.
The guidance from GOV.UK states: "If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form.
"Furthermore, if you're not immediately eligible for automatic qualification, a mobility assessment along with an appointment with a healthcare might be in your future."
It could take around 12 weeks for the application to be processed, since local councils manage the pace and pricing.
Applications are made online to your local council and you'll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself. You will also need a photo or scan of your proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of benefits - if you get any.
You will also need to know your National Insurance number and the details of your current Blue Badge - if you're reapplying. Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.
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