FEES for people applying for the Isle of Wight’s Blue Badge parking scheme are set to rise from £2 to £10 from April 1.
New national laws governing the scheme introduced in November 2011 are also set to affect all new blue badges issued as well as renewals, announced the Isle of Wight Council.
Changes include extending the eligibility criteria to include qualifying armed forces veterans and disabled children under the age of three; increased checks on applicants' residency and identity; more stringent checks to reduce fraud and the misuse of blue badges and an online application service.
The blue badge scheme was introduced in the 1970s to make it easier for people with severe mobility problems to park near where they need to go.
The current charge of £2 for the badge has been in place for more than 30 years yet the average cost of assessing and issuing a blue badge has now risen to £31.50 according to highways chiefs. The new charge of £10 will go some way to offsetting the costs but a large subsidy will still be paid by the local authority.
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.
Application packs can be obtained from the Isle of Wight Council by calling 823340 or e-mailing the blue badge team team via blue.badge@iow.gov.uk
You can also apply online at www.direct.gov.uk.
Completed applications can be returned in person to help centres at County Hall, Newport, Ryde Library and Sandown Civic Centre (but not at 147 High Street, Newport). Forms can also be sent by post to Blue Badges, Isle of Wight Council, PO Box 115, Sandwon PO36 6BU.
Help in completing blue badge application forms is available from Citizens’ Advice Bureau on 07872 375793 or Age Concern on 01983 525282.
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk