People with a Blue Badge who meet certain requirements can now apply for an additional permit, allowing them to park free of charge in Dorset Council's car parks for up to three hours.

The new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit (RMCPP), which will need to be displayed alongside the Blue Badge, gives holders more time to complete their shopping and tasks in Dorset's towns.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: "Some people, because of their mobility, need a little longer to carry out their tasks so our new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit will give them three hours free parking and more peace of mind when out and about."

Blue Badge holders who don't qualify for the RMCPP have also seen a change to their parking, with the introduction of a free one hour's parking in Dorset Council car parks on top of that purchased.

They will need to purchase a valid parking ticket, so, for example, if they buy 30 minutes' parking they can stay for an hour and a half.

Cllr Bryan continued: "This change makes parking across our car parks consistent. Previously there were different rules for towns in the former district and borough councils that existed before Dorset Council was formed, and this sometimes caused confusion.

"The free hour for Blue Badge holders on top of their purchased parking offers consistency and fairness across our car parks, and takes into account the extra time an individual may need when shopping or visiting our towns."

How to apply for a Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit (RMCPP)

Blue Badge holders can apply for the RMCPP if they receive one of the following:

• Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• 10 points or more on the 'Moving around' section in the 'Mobility component' of Personal Independence payment (PIP)
• Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Alternatively, they will need to provide evidence that the vehicle registered in the name of the person with a disability or their nominated driver's name is tax exempt.

Find out more about the Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit and the Blue Badge, and how to apply at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/parking/blue-badges

Anyone who needs assistance applying can call Dorset Council on 01305 221000.

The RMCPP costs £15 and will expire at the same time as the permit holder's Blue Badge.

These changes do not apply to car parks not owned by Dorset Council or on-street parking. Drivers are advised to always check the car park's information board when parking their vehicle.

Additional exemption parking permits held by some Blue Badge holders in the Dorset Council area will remain valid for use until their expiry date. Holders are advised to check car park tariff boards for eligibility.

Drivers who live outside the Dorset Council area who meet the criteria can also apply for the RMCPP for use in Dorset Council car parks.