Disabled drivers face massive Blue Badge price hike

DISABLED drivers will be hit with a price increase of more than 300 per cent as the cost of a blue badge rises to £8.50.

The New Year hike—from the current £2—comes as the Government standardises the parking permit scheme.

Rotherham Borough Council agreed the price rise in private session, and later revealed it could have chosen to go as high as £10.

Cllr John Doyle, Cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We realise that these are not the most prosperous of times, so we have endeavoured to keep the increase as low as possible.”

What do you think of the increase? Use the "write a comment" buttons to post your views.

“We will be subsidising the scheme so disabled motorists do not bear the full implementation costs of the national charges.

“Customers will be required to pay £8.50 for their badge instead of the current £2. This rise will be the first time in nearly 30 years.”

Changes are being made to the admin process, eligibility and design of the badges, which are valid for three years.

Dearne Valley disabled warned of blue badge changes.