Blue Badge holders from Redcar and Cleveland can continue to park as normal at a hospital visit if their badge has recently expired.
The trust which runs James Cook University Hospital and the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton has introduced a grace period for Blue Badge holders following a request by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
Some Redcar and Cleveland residents who have applied for a Blue Badge or for a renewal of an existing badge have experienced delays in the processing of their application.
The council is doing everything possible to address the backlog and has introduced a grace period which allows the holder of an expired badge to use disabled parking spaces on council-run car parks and on roads under the council’s control without any enforcement action.
Now, thanks to the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Redcar and Cleveland residents who are waiting for a renewal can continue to park at the trust’s hospitals.
Redcar and Cleveland Blue Badge holders whose badge has expired should present to the hospitals’ Travel Link Desk when on The James Cook University Hospital site which is located close to Costa Coffee and their exemption for parking at the hospitals will be extended for a four-month period to allow time for their application to be processed.
If residents are attending the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton please seek support from the Main Reception desk.
Cllr Neil Bendelow, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, said: “I would like to thank the trust for working with us to ensure Blue Badge holders can park as normal when they visit their hospitals.
“We are very grateful for their swift co-operation in introducing a grace period while we clear the backlog of applications. We are aware a Blue Badge is a lifeline for some of our resident and we are doing everything possible to clear the backlog of applications.”