A major crackdown on Blue Badge misuse has resulted in nine permits being seized after inspectors examined hundreds of vehicles. In Bath and North East Somerset Council, a total of 559 vehicles were inspected as part of the enforcement campaign.
Council Highlights Importance of Blue Badge Scheme
Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, emphasised the importance of the scheme. "Blue Badges are a brilliant scheme, and we want to make sure it is not being abused," he said. "We have taken part in this campaign now for five years in a row to help protect Blue Badge holders and their parking bays by tackling misuse, which takes away parking and access to our places for those that really need it."
Majority of Badges Used Correctly
Hirst noted that the vast majority of Blue Badges are being used correctly. "It's fantastic to see the vast majority of Blue Badges are being used correctly again this year," he added. "Although misuse of badges is rare, it is, of course, something our Civil Enforcement Officers are out checking for every day, and a week of concentrated enforcement like this can really help make a difference and protect these spaces for those that really need it."
Accessible Parking Options Available
Bath & North East Somerset Council provides a range of accessible parking options across the area, including free all-day parking for Blue Badge holders at on-street pay and display spaces and in resident permit holder bays.
Application Process and Costs
On its website, the local authority states that applying for a Blue Badge is free, but if the application is successful, a fee of £10 is required to cover the cost of the badge itself. Each Blue Badge is valid for up to three years, and the application process takes between six and 12 weeks. The council advises applicants to wait 12 weeks before contacting them about the progress of their application, as contacting earlier can cause delays. Renewals can be submitted up to 12 weeks before the expiry date of the current badge.
