Blue Badge holders warned of parking mayhem and hefty fines at UK airports this summer

If they fail to check, Blue Badge holders could be issued hefty fines for assuming they have free parking while on holiday.

The warning comes as Heathrow Airport revealed that for security reasons the Blue Badge scheme does not operate on roads around Heathrow.

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For Blue Badge drivers choosing to park near one of the largest airports, they could risk having their vehicle towed away by the police and charged roughly £200to release it.

While Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking across the country, different rules apply at airports.

For same-level access to terminals at Gatwick Airport, for example, badge holders will have to pay for premium parking in the South Terminal, although at a discounted rate.

If holders park for longer than four hours, normal parking charges will apply with drivers charged roughly £27.

Blue Badge holders usually get to park for free on streets with parking meters or pay-and-display machines.

They can also park disabled bays on streets without a time limit unless there is a sign detailing one and on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless there is a "no loading" sign.

However, as Britons get ready to travel abroad, assuming drivers can park in disabled bays and other areas with a Blue Badge for free is risky.

At Glasgow Airport, drivers with a Blue Badge cannot use the pick-up and drop-off facility, with experts recommending they use Car Park 2 opposite the terminal building for picking up and dropping off.

At the airport, Blue Badge holders have a 30-minute free drop-off and pick-up window in the designated car park, but if they exceed this time, they will be charged.

To avoid getting fined, Blue Badge holders should make sure their badge is always visible from the vehicle.

It must be clear to see through the windscreen from outside the car and should be faced upwards with the hologram on show. If the badge is not displayed correctly, this could result in a parking fine or a penalty charge notice.

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According to Department for Transport data, there are currently 2.5 million blue badge holders in the UK, up from 2.4 million in 2022.

Between April 2022, and March 2023, 1.14 million Blue Badges were issued, an increase of 101,000 badges compared with the previous year.