What is the Blue Badge Scheme
The scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers.
The scheme also applies to registered blind people, and people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand.
It enables badge holders to park close to their destination, but these concessions apply only to on-street parking.
For further information please phone 01786 442645
Your Questions
Can I get a blue badge/disabled parking badge, even if I don't own a car or drive any more?
You don't have to be a driver or a car owner to apply for or have a blue badge. The badge is issued to you as a person and it can be used in any vehicle you travel in. However, you should keep the badge with you at all other times and not allow someone else to hold it on your behalf.
Can I have a temporary blue badge/disabled parking badge?
No. Blue badges are only issued for permanent walking difficulties. We appreciate you have problems now but in a few months hopefully you will have regained your mobility.
Can I have more than one blue badge/disabled parking badge?
No. Only one blue badge is issued per person, not per car that you travel in. If you regularly travel in more than one car it is your responsibility to move the badge from car to car.
Can I use my blue badge/disabled parking badge abroad?
Yes. The blue badge can be used in any EC country. If you are travelling to the Americas or Australia we suggest you contact the relevant Embassy for information. You should display your time clock when you are parking on yellow lines or in a blue badge parking bay that has a time limit. In both cases, you should set the time of arrival on the clock and display it next to your badge on the dashboard.
Can I use any of the disabled parking bays if I have a blue badge?
If you have a blue disabled parking badge you can use any of the disabled parking bays marked. Even if a parking bay appears to have been created and provided for a specific individual it does not stop others from parking in it if it is vacant.
Can I use the badge when I run errands for a blue badge/disabled parking badge holder?
No. If you do not have a walking difficulty yourself you should not park in a disabled space or use someone else's badge even if you are running an errand for them.
Do I need to fill out a new form every time I want to renew my blue badge?
Yes, you need to fill out a new form everytime you want to renew your blue badge.
Does everyone have to provide photographs to accompany their application for a blue badge/disabled parking badge?
Yes, everyone should submit a passport sized photo with their application for a blue badge/disabled parking badge. It should be emphasised that the photograph is not on display when the badge is in the car being used by the badge holder but helps traffic wardens and police to ensure that only badge holders use the few spaces dedicated for disabled parking. In exceptional cases of severe facial deformity, applicants are not required to provide photographs.
How do I display my blue badge/disabled parking badge?
You must display the badge on top of the dash board or facia panel of a vehicle with the front of the badge (the side showing the wheelchair user symbol) facing forward so that the relevant details are legible from outside of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked.
How long does the blue badge/disabled parking badge last?
Each disabled person's parking badge lasts for 3 years. Then you must re-apply for a new one.
How much does it cost for a blue badge/disabled parking badge?
A blue badge/disabled parking badge does not cost you anything.
If I have a blue badge/disabled parking badge, can I park anywhere?
No, the badge is not a licence to park anywhere. Details of any restrictions in force will be shown on signs at the kerb-side. You can usually park on single yellow lines (if there are no loading/unloading restrictions) and in parking bays.
What benefits do you have to be receiving to automatically qualify for a blue badge?
To automatically qualify for a blue badge, you should be claiming the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance, claiming War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, be registered Blind or have a motor supplied for disabled people by a Government Health Department.
What do I do if my blue badge/disabled parking badge is lost, stolen or faded?
You must contact us to request a replacement. If your Badge is less than 6 months from its expiry date you will have to renew your application by re-applying. Please ensure that the badge is only displayed when in use. You should also check it regularly to ensure all details remain legible.
What is the Blue Badge scheme?
The Blue Badge scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers. The scheme also applies to registered blind people, and people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand. It allows badge holders to park close to their destination, but the national concessions apply only to on-street parking.
What should I do if I can't get to a photo booth to get a picture taken for my application for a blue badge/disabled parking badge?
You may submit any suitable full face photographs cut down to approximately to 5cm wide by 6cm long. (Passport size).
What should I do with the Blue Badge/disabled parking badge for someone who has died?
All badges must be handed into the local Social Work Office or Disability Resource Centre so that the badge can be deleted from our system and destroyed.
I have a blue disabled parking badge and neighbours consistently park in front of my property. What can I do?
There is no law to enforce that you should be allowed to park right outside your property so you therefore rely on the common courtesy of your neighbours. If appropriate you could discuss the problems you have with your mobility and kindly ask your neighbours as far as possible if they could leave you a space close to your own property. If you find that other people park outside your property, a sign advising that space is needed due to you having a disability may be enough to inform them and consequently they may then find an alternative place to park. You may need permission from the council to erect a sign.
