Major alterations to road tax are due to kick in next month that could affect Blue Badge holders nationwide. As of April 1, the standard rate of road tax for cars registered post-April 2017 will see a £5 increase, bringing it to £195 annually.

The precise amount, however, hinges on your car's registration year and fuel type. Notably, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from road tax.

EVs registered from April 2025 will be subject to a minimal £10 fee in their first year, after which they'll transition to the standard rate. This standard rate will also apply to EVs initially registered post-April 2017.

Yet disabled people can claim an exemption when applying for vehicle tax, the reports.

Matt Fieldhouse, Car Expert at Mobility in Motion, is urging Blue Badge holders who registered an EV within the past eight years to verify their exemption entitlement now or risk missing out on a potential £195 saving.

Matt said: "An estimated 1.35 million disabled drivers are reliant on public charging points for their EVs or hybrid vehicles [and] could wrongly fork out £195 in road tax this April. The introduction of this new tax for vehicles registered in the last eight years could see Blue Badge holders incorrectly paying out up to £250m in road tax across the UK."

Vehicle tax exemptions

It's crucial to note that many Blue Badge holders in the UK may be exempt from paying vehicle tax. According to GOV.UK, this applies if you already receive:

Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Armed Forces Independence Payment

Matt explains: "Blue Badges are available for people with physical disabilities, health conditions that affect their mobility, or hidden illnesses such as dementia, autism, or Parkinson's.

Holders can park for free in disabled bays and may be exempt from other parking restrictions."

Those with mental health conditions should reach out to their local council directly. The latest guidance states: "If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online.

You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form."

For those who might not automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme, be prepared for a possible mobility assessment and a meeting with a healthcare worker. Additionally, there isn't a set time frame for processing new applications or renewals for Blue Badges – it could take up to 12 weeks.

Your local council is responsible for handling these applications and they set the fee. They're the ones to ask about how long everything will take.

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You can use your Blue Badge in some countries, and countries in the European Economic Area. If you're using your Blue Badge in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock - this comes with your Blue Badge.

The Timer Clock is a plastic dial with adjustable hands that display the time of parking arrival. To apply for a Blue Badge, you need to submit an online application to your local council.

The application requires a recent digital photo of your head and shoulders - which you can take yourself. You'll also need to provide a scanned copy or photo of your proof of identity (like a birth certificate, passport, or driving licence), proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter - alternatively, you can opt for your local council to verify this via the Electoral Register - and proof of any benefits you receive.

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Additionally, you should have your National Insurance number handy and the details of your current Blue Badge if you're reapplying. Once submitted, your local council will process your application and inform you of their decision.