If you're someone with a physical disability or health condition that impacts your ability to walk, or if you have a hidden illness such as autism, dementia or Parkinson's, you might be eligible for a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you wish to go.
A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays, and might be exempt from other parking restrictions. Yet many people who possess a Blue Badge are unware that it can also be utilised with any car that you are travelling in, at any time of day, including taxis.
In addition, the Blue Badge can be used overseas, although since Brexit, the UK government is still figuring out which EU countries will accept it.
There is no standard time for processing new applications or renewals, however it can take around twelve weeks. Your local council processes Blue Badge applications and fixes the price, so they will be able to advise how long it could take, The Daily Record reports.
Earlier this year, transport minister Guy Opperman said: "Applications to the Blue Badge scheme are not dependent upon condition but are based on the need of the applicant to park closer to their destination. People with degenerative medical conditions could receive a badge if they meet the eligibility criteria.
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"It is for the relevant local authority to decide if an applicant is eligible for a Blue Badge. The Department has no plans to change the eligibility criteria."
Here is everything you need to know about the Blue Badge application process.
Who can get a Blue Badge?
In certain circumstances, you might automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, but in others your local council will have to assess your eligibility. This could include going to a mobility assessment and meeting a healthcare professional.
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you:
- are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment
- get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment
- get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
- get Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the Moving Around activity or 12 points in the Planning and Following a Journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
Who else could qualify for a Blue Badge?
If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances.
For example, if you:
have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you're virtually unable to walk
regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
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are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys
Where can I park with my Blue Badge?
You can use your Blue Badge to park in certain restricted areas for free, including:
at on-street parking meters
in pay and display bays
in disabled parking spaces
on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions
Using your badge in other parts of the UK
You can use your Blue Badge in most other countries. If you're using your Blue Badge in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock - this comes with your Blue Badge.
The Timer Clock is a plastic dial with hands that can be adjusted to show the time of parking arrival.
What do I need to apply?
Applications are made online to your local council and you’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself.
You will also need a photo or scan of your:
proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter - you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead
proof of benefits - if you get any
You will also need to know:
your National Insurance number
the details of your current Blue Badge - if you’re reapplying
Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision. Your local council should tell you why you’re not eligible.
You can ask them to reconsider their decision if you think they haven’t taken into account some important information. You can also reapply if your disability or health condition becomes more serious. Apply for a Blue Badge on the mygov.scot website here.
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