Money expert Martin Lewis has issued an update to drivers about Blue Badge rules following a law change earlier this year. The Blue Badge scheme allows drivers who are disabled or have a medical condition to apply for the badge to display in their car. This then allows motorists to park in disabled bays and can also allow parking on double yellow lines or in other places with parking restrictions.
Applications cost £10 in England and £20 in Scotland but are free in Wales.
Blue Badge holders now qualify for railcard
On this week's new series of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on Tuesday, October 13, Martin told his ITV1 and ITVX viewers of the Blue Badge change and added that there have been further additions to the Disability Railcard since.
Martin said: "Disability railcard, they have widened the eligibility. Earlier in the year, they said Blue Badge holders were added.
"Now if you have a long term health condition, mental impairment or neurodivergence that impacts your ability to travel, you can get one too.
"A third off rail fares, costs about £20 a year, or £54 for three years. So some more people may be eligible for that one."
Rule change from March 1
From March 1, a rule change was put in place for Blue Badge holders, Martin explained, allowing them to qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
Martin previously tweeted: "News. Blue Badge holders can now qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard. The criteria have been simplified, now if you've a Blue Badge, Disabled Persons Bus Pass or can't drive for medical reasons you can get the railcard."
Martin's MSE website explains further: "Until now, the Disabled Persons Railcard had only been available to those receiving certain benefits or with certain medical conditions. It will remain available to those people.
"From (Sunday, March 1), however, eligibility has been expanded to cover a wider range of both visible and non-visible disabilities, meaning more people will be able to apply for one.
"A Disabled Persons Railcard entitles the holder and an adult companion to one-third off most train fares across England, Scotland and Wales.
"It currently costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. The Rail Delivery Group, the firm in charge of railcards, says it has no plans to increase prices as a result of it becoming available to more people.
"If you're not eligible for this railcard, there may be another one you can get."
