When to re-apply for Blue Badge?

NeverEnough

tomtom256 wrote: »

My new one came with the clock/holder so need for a separate holder as keeps the clock and badge together and fold both ways if you don't need to display the clock.

I thought all new ones came like this?

I'm not sure I understand what you mean? In our area, the badge and clock are sent to the recipient, who then has to supply a holder of some sort to ensure they stay together. Not legally necessary of course, but most people use a holder like those sold on ebay, to protect the badge and clock and make sure they stay in one place. The cheap holders that were always fine for the old type badges are not suitable for the new badges as the plastic windows react badly with the holograms on the new blue badges - this is mentioned in the accompanying letter you get with the new blue badge.

This is quite possibly different in different areas and some councils may supply suitable holders, ours does not.

tomtom256

NeverEnough wrote: »

I'm not sure I understand what you mean? In our area, the badge and clock are sent to the recipient, who then has to supply a holder of some sort to ensure they stay together. Not legally necessary of course, but most people use a holder like those sold on ebay, to protect the badge and clock and make sure they stay in one place. The cheap holders that were always fine for the old type badges are not suitable for the new badges as the plastic windows react badly with the holograms on the new blue badges - this is mentioned in the accompanying letter you get with the new blue badge.

This is quite possibly different in different areas and some councils may supply suitable holders, ours does not.

I mean on my new one the clock is actually a holder and the new badge clips into it, so no need for a separate holder and I presumed that all councils would issue the same badge and clock.

elmer

My council are currently processing all blue badges in less than a week, it then takes another 5 days to arrive from the processing centre

Perhaps it might be helpful to enquire how long it will take for blue badge processing at your own council, rather than take a worst case scenario from the internet.

elmer

cestlavie

i was stunned to discover that there was no renewal letter in my area either. my mother got a parking fine the other week as her badge was out of date. she had had no idea it needed to be renewed. i find it odd that we get renewal notices for tax discs etc but none for her badge. since a large portion of the population holding these badges are elderly and infirm it strikes me as absurd that they are meant to keep in mind when to renew them without a written reminder!

tomtom256

cestlavie wrote: »

i was stunned to discover that there was no renewal letter in my area either. my mother got a parking fine the other week as her badge was out of date. she had had no idea it needed to be renewed. i find it odd that we get renewal notices for tax discs etc but none for her badge. since a large portion of the population holding these badges are elderly and infirm it strikes me as absurd that they are meant to keep in mind when to renew them without a written reminder!

Sorry but Local Authorities do not have the money to do this and would not know if you would still be entitled to a blue badge so could be wasting money by sending out letters that are not needed.

All paperwork I received stated it was my responsibility to renew the badge and that reminders would not be sent.

Also some people get badges temporarily and some people die whilst holding them, certain departments of the council may not have access to this information and again could send out reminders where not needed causing distress.

Also as the expiry dates is clearly visible every time the badge is used, it's not like you don't see when its due for expiry and can act accordingly. Surely people check the blue badge before displaying it, to make sure its in date and displayed correctly!

Sometimes people have to take responsibility for there own issues.

zzzLazyDaisy

BobQ wrote: »

Unless you get a badge automatically because you get Mobility element of DLA you first need to allow some time to answer a very long form about your mobility. .

I know you didn't mean this, but just for clarification....

You need the high rate mobility component of DLA (low rate mobility DLA does not entitle you to a blue badge). Even then, there is no automatic renewal of the blue badge, you still have to apply on time and return the form, you just don't need to complete all the questions about your mobility.