The Blue Badge scheme allows disabled people to park closer to their destinations and reduce the physical strain of needing to walk further
Six groups of people are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge, which can be utilised when travelling either as a driver in their own motor or as a passenger in another vehicle. If you’re living with a physical disability or health condition that impacts your ability to walk safely, or an invisible condition such as a heart problem, dementia, ADHD, epilepsy, chronic fatigue or Parkinson’s, you might qualify for a Blue Badge.
This would enable you to park nearer to your destinations, lessening the physical exertion of having to walk further. Across the UK, it’s estimated that 3.2 million people reap the benefits of the Blue Badge scheme.
It’s crucial to remember that there isn’t a set processing time for new applications or renewals of Blue Badges. However, it typically takes around 12 weeks, but can often be sorted within 10 working days, reports the Daily Record.
Your local council is responsible for handling Blue Badge applications and determining the cost. They can also offer advice on how long the process might take.
Blue Badge automatic qualification
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you:
- You receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
- You receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- You have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
- You receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress
- You are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
- You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Other potential qualifiers for a Blue Badge
If you don’t automatically qualify, you may still be able to obtain a Blue Badge under certain circumstances, if you:
- you cannot walk at all
- you have a life limiting illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form
- you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others
- you frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces
- walking is dangerous to your health and safety
- you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but cannot operate pay-and-display parking machines
- you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes
- you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
- you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
- you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey
- you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment
- you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids
- you are constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
Where can I park with my Blue Badge?
Your Blue Badge permits you to park for free in certain restricted areas, including:
- At on-street parking meters
- In disabled parking spaces
- On single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions
- In pay and display bays
What do I need to apply?
Applications are submitted 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’ve submitted your application, your local council will review it and make a decision.
If your application is rejected
Your local council should inform you why you didn’t qualify. If you believe they overlooked some crucial information, you can request them to reconsider their decision.
You can also reapply if your disability or health condition worsens. Apply for a Blue Badge here.
