Travel support

Blue Badge

​

What is a Blue Badge?

The Blue Badge scheme helps people who have difficulty getting around due to a disability or health condition park closer to their destination.  A Blue Badge lets you park in places where other drivers can’t. This includes disabled parking bays, on yellow lines for up to 3 hours and free on-street parking where you would usually have to pay.

​

Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?

Some people are eligible for a Blue Badge automatically, without any further assessment. You are automatically eligible if:

​

• You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance

• You receive the standard rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment, having scored 8 points or above on the “Moving Around” activity

• You are registered as being severely sight impaired

• You receive War Pensioners Mobility Supplement

• You receive Personal Independence Payment mobility component and have scored 10 points specifically for the “Planning & Following a Journey” activity, on the grounds that you cannot undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

• Has been awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and has also been certified as having an enduring and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty walking.

​

Some people might be eligible for a Blue Badge, depending on further assessment. You might be eligible if:

• You drive a vehicle regularly , have a severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty operating, all or some types of parking meter

• You have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk, or very considerable difficulty walking

​

How can I get a Blue Badge?

You can apply for a Blue Badge online. You will need to provide proof of address, proof of identify, and proof of any benefits you receive, for example a PIP award letter. There is a £10 charge for the badge which you will only pay if your application is successful. 

​

If the decision about your Blue Badge can't be made based on the paper evidence you provide, the council might arrange for you to have an assessment with a health professional.

​

What can I do if my application is refused?

If your local council refuses your Blue Badge application you can ask them to look at the decision again. You should receive a letter explaining why the decision was made. You have 21 days to ask the council to review your decision.