Updated 16 Nov 2018 with current Blue Badge application postal address.
This in from the council, in their own words. Ed.
New national changes have been made to improve and update the Blue Badge Parking Scheme.
The scheme was introduced in the 1970s to make it easier for people with severe mobility problems to park near where they need to go.
Legislation passed in November 2011 will affect all new blue badges issued, as well as renewals.
Eligibility criteria extended
The changes include extending the eligibility criteria to include qualifying armed forces veterans and disabled children under the age of three; increased checks on applicant’s residency and identity; more stringent checks to reduce fraud and the misuse of blue badges and an online application service.
Application fee increased after 30 years
To help cover the cost of the application and renewal process from 1 April 2012 the fee for a blue badge will increase to £10.
The current charge of £2 per badge has been in place since the scheme was introduced over 30 years ago yet the average cost of assessing an issuing blue badges has now risen to £31.50.
The new charge of £10 goes some way to offsetting these costs but a large subsidy still remains payable by the local authority.
5,300 blue badge holders on the Island
To process a badge application, the blue badge team must check a national database, process payments and scan paperwork. Badges are then issued to applicants who meet the assessment criteria.
There are around 5,300 blue badge holders on the Island and around 1,800 new and renewal applications are processed each year.
How to apply
On the Island, blue badge applications packs can be obtained from the council by calling 823340 or emailing the blue badge team via [email protected].
You can also apply online at www.direct.gov.uk. Completed applications can be returned in person to help centres at County Hall in Newport and Ryde Library.
Forms can also be sent by post to Blue Badge, PO Box 237, Newport, PO30 9FN.
Help in completing blue badge application forms is available from Citizens’ Advice Bureau (tel: 03444 111 444) or Age Concern (tel: 525282).
Updated 16 Nov 2018 with current Blue Badge application postal address.
Image: Taberandrew under CC BY 2.0
