Changes to Blue Badge scheme

Blue badge holders will, in the next week, receive a letter advising them of changes to the Blue Badge scheme for disabled parking in the UK.

From January 1, 2012, blue badges will be issued through the national Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBIS).

Orkney Islands Council will charge a £10 fee for new applications, replacements and renewals, to cover the cost of the national scheme and local administration.

Current blue badges will remain valid until their expiry dates – badge holders will not be required to make an application or payment until the date of renewal of their badge.

While applications will still be processed through OIC customer services in Kirkwall and Stromness, the cards will be produced centrally by Northgate, the company contracted by BBIS to run the new scheme, and issued by post. This means it could take up to five days for cards to reach successful applicants.

For more information, contact Orkney Islands Council’s Customer Services team on 873535 ext 2903.