Essex County Council (ECC) has launched a new, quicker process for residents to renew Blue Badges that are due to expire.

The new online system will take residents less than 15 minutes to complete, compared to as much as 60 minutes previously.

Applicants can use the online renewal process if their previous badge was awarded based on one of the automatic eligibility entitlements which still applies, or if when it was awarded it was decided no further assessment would be required.

The online system, which can be found here will advise applicants if it can be used to renew their badge, or if a full application will be required.

A spokesperson for ECC said: "We are always looking to make interactions with the council easier for our residents and this is another way which will help.