Blitz on parking cheats

DISABLED parking badge holders in Rotherham are being warned of tough new rules to stamp out cheating.

From Monday, anyone applying for a blue badge or renewing one will need to prove their identity and address.

The move comes after claims that the system is being abused - with badges being used by people who do not qualify. The changes are part of a package being introduced by the Department of Transport, which also changes the criteria used by local councils to issue disabled badges.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Once change will extend eligibility to parents of children under the age of two who, due to a specific medical condition, need to travel with bulky medical equipment or be close to a vehicle for emergency treatment.

Another will extend eligibility criteria for people with severe disabilities in both arms, who drive but cannot operate a parking meter.

Badges can also be issued for a period of less than 3 years to disabled people awarded the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement.

From next week, all applicants will need to supply a copy of either a utility bill, rent book or a council tax bill, all dated within the last three months. Applicants must also supply copies of two items such as a birth, adoption or marriage certificate, medical card, driving licence or passport. A Rotherham Council spokeswoman said: “We shall be writing to all existing disabled badge holders whose badges are due to expire before January 2008, to give them advance notice of the changes and the documentation we shall now require.”

For more information contact Rotherham Council district offices at Maltby, on 01709 812637, Wath, on 01709 873678, or Crinoline House, on 01709 823907.