Money expert Martin Lewis has issued an update to drivers about Blue Badge rules following a law change at the start of this month.
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.
And from March 1, a rule change has been put in place for Blue Badge holders, Martin explained, allowing them to qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
Martin 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, 1 March), 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.”