THERE’S a little-known scheme that can help drivers who are on benefits save as much as £4,264.
Those on certain benefits could qualify for an exemption pass for various tolls up and down the country.
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Drivers may have to pay a fee to cross a bridge or road – this usually goes towards the roads upkeep and general maintenance.
But at time when everyone is trying to cut costs, this is most likely a charge many people would prefer to avoid.
And those on certain benefits, or with disabilities, might be able to do just that.
The government offers toll exemption passes for several crossings around the UK, and they could save drivers thousands.
For example, the M6 motorway toll in Birmingham charges £8.20 for cars to pass through it.
If you’re commuting, then this will cost you £14.60 a day (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm), £82 a week and £4,264 a year.
Of course, it depends how often you use the toll, this is just an example.
But the mobility exemption scheme means some drivers can cut these costs.
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You’ll qualify if:
- You get war pensioner mobility supplement
- You get Armed Forces Independence Payment.
- You get the higher rate of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- You get disability assistance for children and young people (at the higher rate)
- You’re on the enhanced rate of personal Independent payment (PIP)
Drivers can apply online via the m6toll.co.uk website.
If you have a Blue Badge but haven’t applied then you won’t be exempt from the fee.
The M6 Motorway toll isn’t the only crossing that offers an exemption for drivers on certain benefits.
Here’s the full list:
- Clifton Suspension Bridge (B3129 Bristol)
- Dartford – Thurrock River Crossing (River Thames – A282/M25 Junction 1a)
- Humber Bridge (near Hull)
- Itchen Bridge (A3025 Woolston-Southampton)
- Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge (Runcorn – Widnes)
- Mersey Tunnel (Liverpool-Wirral)
- Tamar Bridge (A38 Plymouth-Liskeard) and Torpoint Ferry (A374 Plymouth-Torpoint)
- Tyne Tunnel (near Newcastle)
Bear in mind that each location will offer various discounts and exemption cards.
You’ll need to apply for most of them online though disabled drivers going through the Thurrock River Crossing will automatically get the exemption.
Make sure you’re prepared beforehand as well as some applications can take weeks to go through.
For example, applications for the Itchen Bridge exemption pass can take up to 14 days.
What other help is out there?
Blue badge
Your PIP award letter can be used to apply for a blue badge, although some councils can charge for this.
The most they can ask for is £10, though.
You should contact your local council to apply – but if you’re on certain benefits as well then it should be easy to get.
These benefits include:
- Disability living allowance
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8)
Parking spaces reserved for blue badge holders tend to be closer to entrances and cover bigger areas.
Blue badge holders can park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours as long as there are no loading or unloading restrictions.
They must display their badge with the parking clock set to the time the person arrived.
Anyone with a disability that limits their ability to walk is eligible for a blue badge.
You must either be unable to walk, have difficulty walking, come to harm or cause harm while walking.
If you are registered blind or have a disability in your arms you can also get a blue badge.
Vehicle tax reduction
If you’re receiving the standard rate mobility component of PIP, currently worth £24.45, you can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax.
Vehicle tax, also known as road tax, is what you have to pay to use your car on the roads.
In some cases, you can pay up to £2,355 a year on vehicle tax, so a 50% reduction would be worth over £1,000.
One thing to bear in mind is that the vehicle you’re getting reduced tax on must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name.
If you want to get a reduction you have to make a claim first. You must include the following with your application:
- A letter or statement from DWP that shows your PIP rate and the dates you’re getting it
- The vehicle log book (V5C)
- A V10 form
- An original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
- A cheque or payable order (made out to “DVLA, Swansea”) for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle
You’ll need to send the paperwork to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF.
You can also get a complete vehicle tax exemption if you’re on the enhanced rate of PIP.
If you’re applying for the first time, you should be able to do it at your local Post Office branch.
To find your nearest branch, you can go on the Post Office’s website and use its branch finder or phone 0345 722 3344.
Disabled person’s railcard
This could give you up to a third off rail fares – roughly £4.26 per journey or £91 per year.
Opting for the railcard does depend on how often you get the train, of course.
You can contact your local council to learn more about how to apply – and make sure to have your award letter on you.
You can then apply for the railcard on the National Rail website.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
