Blue Badge warning as changes to road tax come into force in April – Wales Online
Major changes are on the horizon for drivers across the United Kingdom as alterations to vehicle excise duty are set to come into effect next month. Blue Badge holders may potentially face new costs as road tax rates for vehicles registered post-April 2017 are scheduled to increase by £5 to an annual fee of £195 starting from 1st April. The actual amount drivers will pay depends on factors such as the vehicle’s registration date and the type of fuel it uses. Electric vehicles (EVs), which were previously exempt from road tax, will now also incur these charges.
Industry specialist Matt Fieldhouse from Mobility in Motion has highlighted the potential impact on Blue Badge holders who have registered an EV within the last eight years. Failure to review exemption status could result in missing out on potential savings of £195. The significant introduction of this new tax for vehicles registered over the past eight years could lead to Blue Badge holders incorrectly paying up to £250 million in road tax across the UK, as reported by The Daily Star.
It is essential for UK Blue Badge holders to be aware that many may be eligible for exemption from vehicle tax altogether. GOV.UK outlines that exemption is possible for those already receiving certain disability benefits. Disabled motorists could qualify for a 50 per cent discount on their vehicle tax if they receive the PIP standard rate mobility component or the ADP standard rate mobility component. Specific conditions must be met to claim this exemption, as explained by Matt in The Daily Record.
Blue Badge holders should note that if they have a physical disability, health condition affecting their ability to walk safely, or a hidden illness such as dementia, autism, or Parkinson’s, they may qualify for a Blue Badge. This badge allows holders to park for free in disabled parking bays and may exempt them from certain parking restrictions. It permits free parking in various restricted areas, including on-street parking meters, disabled parking spaces, and even single and double yellow lines without loading restrictions, provided the badge is displayed along with a parking clock in England or Wales.
Applying for a Blue Badge can be done online, but individuals with mental health conditions are advised to contact their local council directly. Those who do not automatically qualify for the scheme may have to undergo a mobility assessment and meet with a healthcare professional. The application process does not have a standard processing time, but typically takes around 12 weeks, during which the local council reviews the application and renders a decision.
To apply for a Blue Badge, applicants must submit their application online to the local council along with a recent digital photo, identification proof, proof of address, evidence of benefits, National Insurance number, and existing Blue Badge details if reapplying. Following the submission, the council will review the application and notify the applicant of the decision. It is crucial for Blue Badge holders to stay informed about these changes to road tax and ensure they take the necessary steps to maximise potential savings and benefits available to them.
The adjustments to road tax and the implications for Blue Badge holders underscore the importance of staying updated on government policies that directly impact individuals with disabilities. As the landscape of vehicle excise duty evolves, it is crucial for drivers to understand their eligibility for exemptions and discounts to make informed decisions regarding their vehicle tax obligations. By being proactive and informed, Blue Badge holders can navigate these changes effectively and access the support and benefits they are entitled to under the current regulations.