Blue badge parking

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What is the blue badge parking scheme?

The Disabled Blue Badge parking scheme lets you park closer to your destination if you have severe mobility problems. You do not have to drive to qualify for the blue badge and you can take it with you when out and about in any car to ensure that the person you’re with can park in a more convenient site closer to the facilitates that you wish to use.

With a blue badge, you can park:

• In disabled parking bays,
• On streets with parking meters – for as long as you need to,
• On single or double yellow lines for up to three hours (providing there is no ban on loading).

Make sure you display the badge clearly on the dashboard of your car so that the front of it can be seen through the front windscreen.

Do I qualify?

You’ll automatically qualify for the badge if:

• You receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance.
• You receive a Personal Independence Payment for being unable to walk further than 50 metres.
• You’re registered blind.
• You receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement.
• You’ve received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8), and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability

You may qualify if you can show that you have a ‘permanent and substantial disability’ which means you are unable to walk very far without experiencing considerable difficulty (or unable to walk at all). You’ll need to fill in an extra part of the application form, and your local council may ask you to do a mobility assessment.

Finally, you may qualify if you have a severe disability in both arms, drive regularly, and you’re unable to operate some types of on-street parking equipment.

How do I apply?

You can apply in two ways:

• Online – apply for a blue badge on the GOV.UK website.
• Via post – contact your local council and ask for an application form.

For extra guidance on filling in the application form, see this guide from Citizens Advice.

When will I hear back?

Usually within 6-8 weeks. In some cases, you might need to have a mobility assessment to complete the application.