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Blue Badge Renewal.

(14 Posts)
midgey Tue 10-Oct-17 12:54:21

DH badge runs out next week, sorted it out on line, got an email this morning to pay for it. Paid for it with no problem until the person said that’s fine all gone through, should be with you in four to six weeks. Can I just put a note to say just waiting for the card? Oh no you cannot park in a disabled bay without the badge, we do recommend that you apply six weeks or so. Exactly where will I find this advice do you think?confused

maryeliza54 Tue 10-Oct-17 13:02:37

This happened to me last time I renewed- I’d been out of the country for several weeks and hadn’t been able to renew in time. The good news was that it came very quickly so I was only without it for about a week. I then put a reminder to renew in my electronic diary for about two months before. The information is on my la,s website but I’d never looked it up

kittylester Tue 10-Oct-17 13:58:47

I would try putting the old one on the dashboard with a note and hope that no-one checks, I think. If you do get a ticket, I would explain and, maybe, play the worried little woman angle! And, suggest that they send a very large note explaining the renewal situation out to everyone who receives a blue badge.

It doesn't apply in your case obviously, but the badge could be sent to someone who was not on line or unable, for some other reason, to access the information. They have a duty of care to ensure you are well informed!!

maryeliza54 Tue 10-Oct-17 14:23:39

I’m sorry but I think this is very poor advice. The legislation is very clear - you have to display a valid badge no ifs or buts, The government website tells you to contact your local authority to find out how far in advance you should apply to renew your badge.Common sense says it must be a fair while because you might have to have a medical assessment even for a renewal. They do not have a duty of care to ensure badge holders are well informed - there is information online, you can ring you la and the expiry date is in very large numbers on the badge, When it happened to me, I could have kicked myself for not doing it before I went away but it was my responsibility and I accepted the consequences for the time I was without ( as I said it was very short anyway) I am so grateful for my BB I would never abuse it ( if you do they have the power to revoke it anyway) . Please don’t follow the pp’s advice

Marydoll Tue 10-Oct-17 14:30:19

BB was nearly up and I got talking to a traffic warden as I was parking.
She noticed it was about to run out and said under no circumstances use to the old one until the new one came or I would be fined. She said that the wardens had been advised to be really vigilant, with no exceptions.
I then produced the new one from my bag. My LEA are very good at reminding you well before the expiry date. I had mine within 10 days of applying.
Please do not take the risk, the law is very clear about this.

maryeliza54 Tue 10-Oct-17 14:39:09

Thanks for confirming what I advised Marydoll.

kittylester Tue 10-Oct-17 14:57:52

Not everyone is on line - as I said upthread.

My son uses a blue badge and we would never abuse it.

maryeliza54 Tue 10-Oct-17 15:15:58

Well the OP clearly is and I’m sure has a telephone. Sorry kitty but you gave poor advice which would cost the OP in fines. She and I failed to renew in time - as responsible adults we have to take the consequences of that and set up a better system for next time rather than play “ the worried little woman angle”. I think more las are moving towards reminders but I wouldn’t rely on that

kittylester Tue 10-Oct-17 17:03:30

Of course the Traffic Wardens (Street Wardens in our area) are being told to be vigilant but, in the event of a fine, a letter in appeal to the LA would probably work!

It happened to me when I was visiting and carrying out tasks for DS when his PA was away. I got a fine but explained the circumstances and it was removed. I wasn't using a Blue Badge but was in a parking area designated for DS's group of flats. I had asked for a parking permit but was denied one. I now have one.

That was 'setting up a better system for next time'.

maryeliza54 Tue 10-Oct-17 17:58:09

That was a different situation - you were not using an out of date blue badge but parking in an area where you did not have the required permit. Quite different. No-one can generalise about how different las will react to an out of date blue badge. Marydoll is quite clear about what would happen in her area. Anyway, it's unto the OP if you wants to risk a fine but I wouldn't like anyone to think your advice was acceptable and that any fine would definitely be revoked.

Charleygirl Tue 10-Oct-17 18:01:43

I allow myself 3 months prior to the deadline and so far it has worked well because I usually have to go to see an occupational therapist who assesses my walking or not as the case may be.

midgey Tue 10-Oct-17 18:05:00

Didn’t mean to start a hoohah! I am certainly not planning to break any law.

maryeliza54 Tue 10-Oct-17 18:16:03

Not a hoohah midgey just a difference of opinion re the advice given. Hope your badge comes quickly and that you manage in the meantime

kittylester Tue 10-Oct-17 18:38:42

Just pointing out the humanity of the La!