Menu
22/11/2016
Changes To Take Place For Blue Badge Holders
A review of the renewal process for Blue Badge holders with life-long mobility issues is to take place.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard confirmed the consultation will begin over the coming months.
He said: "For many people with life-long mobility issues, the blue badge is a lifeline enabling them to integrate in the community and go about many of the daily routines many of us take for granted.
"Many of these badge holders have conditions which are unlikely to change and I am therefore very mindful of how the process can be adjusted. The consultation, which will take place over the coming months, will consider the renewal process and fees.
"I have asked officials to undertake a review through a consultative process that will begin early in 2017.
"The outcomes of that consultation will direct both the legislative and operational requirements to make the changes necessary to the renewal process."
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong said: "As Alliance Party spokeperson on Infrastructure I have regularly highlighted the importance of the Blue Badge scheme to many people across Northern Ireland. It can be a vital link to the community for those with mobility issues, ensuring they are able to live their lives as fully as possible outside their homes.
"I recently raised with Minister Hazzard the unacceptable delays in processing both new and renewal applications and suggested it should not be necessary for all Blue Badge holders to renew every three years. Many Blue Badge holders have mobility issues which are unlikely to change and I have previously suggested these people should not have to renew every three years."
(CD)
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard confirmed the consultation will begin over the coming months.
He said: "For many people with life-long mobility issues, the blue badge is a lifeline enabling them to integrate in the community and go about many of the daily routines many of us take for granted.
"Many of these badge holders have conditions which are unlikely to change and I am therefore very mindful of how the process can be adjusted. The consultation, which will take place over the coming months, will consider the renewal process and fees.
"I have asked officials to undertake a review through a consultative process that will begin early in 2017.
"The outcomes of that consultation will direct both the legislative and operational requirements to make the changes necessary to the renewal process."
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong said: "As Alliance Party spokeperson on Infrastructure I have regularly highlighted the importance of the Blue Badge scheme to many people across Northern Ireland. It can be a vital link to the community for those with mobility issues, ensuring they are able to live their lives as fully as possible outside their homes.
"I recently raised with Minister Hazzard the unacceptable delays in processing both new and renewal applications and suggested it should not be necessary for all Blue Badge holders to renew every three years. Many Blue Badge holders have mobility issues which are unlikely to change and I have previously suggested these people should not have to renew every three years."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2006
Transport Minister welcomes 'Baywatch' campaign
Transport Minister Shaun Woodward has today welcomed the launch of the 'Baywatch' Northern Ireland campaign, which highlights parking problems faced by disabled drivers in Northern Ireland. The Transport Minister said: "I welcome this campaign to increase awareness about how bad parking behaviour can compromise access for disabled people.
Transport Minister welcomes 'Baywatch' campaign
Transport Minister Shaun Woodward has today welcomed the launch of the 'Baywatch' Northern Ireland campaign, which highlights parking problems faced by disabled drivers in Northern Ireland. The Transport Minister said: "I welcome this campaign to increase awareness about how bad parking behaviour can compromise access for disabled people.
28 June 2002
BVCB workshop highlights Belfast's best events
Employees in the service and tourism sector have taken part in an innovative new workshop organised by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB).
BVCB workshop highlights Belfast's best events
Employees in the service and tourism sector have taken part in an innovative new workshop organised by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB).
02 September 2013
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
24 August 2012
Hundreds Park In Blue Badge Bays
More than 500 people have been fined for parking illegally in disabled bays in Londonderry, Coleraine, Limavady and Strabane this year. The figures for the north west of Northern Ireland come from the Department for Regional Development. Orla McCann works for Disability Action.
Hundreds Park In Blue Badge Bays
More than 500 people have been fined for parking illegally in disabled bays in Londonderry, Coleraine, Limavady and Strabane this year. The figures for the north west of Northern Ireland come from the Department for Regional Development. Orla McCann works for Disability Action.
11 October 2007
Pensioners Ticketed For Blue Badge Error
Following on from news earlier this week that the privatised parking enforcement company NCP, issued over 140,000 tickets for illegal parking, raising more than £4 million, two elderly women have each been fined after displaying their disabled parking permits incorrectly.
Pensioners Ticketed For Blue Badge Error
Following on from news earlier this week that the privatised parking enforcement company NCP, issued over 140,000 tickets for illegal parking, raising more than £4 million, two elderly women have each been fined after displaying their disabled parking permits incorrectly.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
