The Blue Badge scheme allows free parking in disabled bays and can provide exemption from other parking restrictions.
People with physical disabilities and long-term health conditions affecting walking safety, or hidden illnesses like dementia, autism or Parkinson’s may qualify for a Blue Badge. As a badge holder, you are entitled to park in disabled spaces, and can be exempt from certain parking regulations – while driving or as a passenger.
Those with temporary health issues could soon see parking easements too, following inquiries by Will Forster, the Liberal Democrat MP, to the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding the value of a provisional Blue Badge system.
In her written response last Thursday, Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood clarified: “The Blue Badge scheme is primarily about helping people with a long-term disability that affects their capacity to access the goods and services they need to use. Anyone may be entitled to a badge if they meet the eligibility criteria.
“The Department for Transport has previously issued local authorities with advice on how they could use existing powers to provide locally determined parking concessions within their areas.”
Greenwood further explained that some councils offer parking concessions to support older residents, implying that similar measures could be extended to individuals with temporary disabilities, as reported by the Daily Record.
Those interested in further information can refer to ‘people with severe temporary impairments: advice to local authorities,’ available on GOV.UK here.
Blue Badge in a nutshell
If you have a physical ailment or health condition that hampers your walking ability, or suffer from an invisible illness like dementia, autism, or Parkinson’s disease, you could qualify for a Blue Badge. In the UK there are over 3.2 million Blue Badge holders.
Many people will automatically qualify for a Blue Bagdge, and this is often the case for those entitled to higher mobility rates of benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP), and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
You can apply for a Blue Badge digitally, but guidance recommends that individuals with mental health issues consult their local council.
Guidance explains: “If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council’s Blue Badge team for a paper application form.”
Furthermore, the instructions indicate that those not granted automatic entry into the Blue Badge club may have to have a mobility assessment or engage with a medical expert.
It’s worth noting that there isn’t a set timeframe for processing new applications or renewals for the Blue Badge, but it generally takes around 12 weeks. Once processed, the badge usually arrives within 10 working days.
Your local council is responsible for managing Blue Badge applications and setting the fee – they will also provide guidance on the anticipated timeframe.
Blue Badges allow for more accessible parking (Image: Getty Images)
Blue Badge automatic qualification
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in if you:
- are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- get 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 War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- 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
- are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
- get 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
Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge
If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances, if you:
- regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
- have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you’re virtually unable to walk
- have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys
- have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
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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.
If your application is turned down
Your local council should inform you of the reasons for your ineligibility. If you believe they haven’t considered some crucial information, you can request them to reconsider their decision.
If your disability or health condition worsens, you can reapply. Apply for a Blue Badge here.
