All Blue Badge holders are exempt from a July rule change for drivers that comes with a £1,000 fine. Drivers and motorists have been warned they cannot use hosepipes to wash their cars in certain parts of the UK after three heatwaves this summer. Bans are now in place or starting this week across six water company areas, and anyone caught breaking one can be fined up to £1,000. However, Blue Badge permit holders are exempt from these restrictions.
Exemption for Over 3.2 Million Blue Badge Holders
More than 3.2 million Blue Badge holders in the UK do not need to follow hosepipe restrictions, according to officials. The hosepipe bans have been enforced after a sweltering start to the summer, with heatwaves in May, June, and July so far, and weather maps showing further temperatures in the 30s before the end of the month.
Water Companies Enforcing Bans
The bans are in place across six water company areas, including those affected by the recent heatwaves. The restrictions aim to protect water supplies, but exemptions are made for those with genuine needs, such as Blue Badge holders with disabilities or medical conditions.
Expert Comment on Exemptions
Rebecca Lamb, External Relations Manager at Money Wellness, said: "Hosepipe bans are there to protect water supplies for everyone, but they were never meant to put people's health at risk. That's why every water company exempts customers who genuinely can't manage without a hosepipe, whether that's because of a disability, a medical condition or mobility problems."
Lamb added: "What worries us is how many people don't know this help exists. Half of all households could be entitled to free priority services from their water company, yet only one in ten have signed up. Last year we referred 33,000 people to priority services registers and nearly 3,000 to WaterSure, and almost none of them knew the support was there until they spoke to us."
Advice for Water Users
Lamb advised: "If you're on a water meter, claiming benefits, and have a big family or a medical condition that means you use a lot of water, ask your water company about WaterSure today. And if you're worried about money more generally, free debt advice is available and the sooner you get it, the more options you'll have."
