Coronavirus update

In response to COVID-19, we were advised by the Department for Transport and local government representative bodies to allow you to continue using your badge if it had an expiry date between 1st January 2020 and 30th September 2020. After this date, you will no longer be permitted to use your expired badge. If your badge has expired or is due to expire, you will need to reapply for a Blue Badge as soon as you can if you haven't already done so.

We need you to reapply for your badge so we have enough time to process your application and make a decision. This will also help make sure you receive a new badge before 30 September 2020 if you are entitled to one. If you continue to use an expired badge after this date, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or other enforcement action.

Blue Badges

The Blue Badge (Disabled Persons) Parking Scheme is a national scheme that allows disabled people in England to maintain their independence by enabling them to park as close as possible to their destination.

A Blue Badge is not linked to a specific vehicle, – it can be used in any car you’re travelling in, whether you’re the driver or passenger.

If you’re a parent or carer of a child with disabilities  you can apply for a Blue Badge on their behalf.

Remember, never pay someone to apply for you! Please ignore any websites or companies which offer to apply for a Blue Badge on your behalf, especially for a fee. If you've been affected by a scam like this please contact Citizens Advice.

Blue Badge eligibility

People more than two years old

You could be automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you:

  • receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
  • receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and score eight points or more in the 'moving around' part of your assessment
  • receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and score 10 points specifically for Descriptor E under the “planning and following journeys” activity, on the grounds you can’t undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress
  • receive a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
  • have been awarded a lump sum from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (tariffs 1-8) and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which means you can’t walk or you find walking very difficult
  • are registered blind or severely sight impaired

You may be able to have a badge after a further assessment if you are:

  • A person who drives a vehicle regularly, has a severe disability in both arms and is unable to operate, or has considerable difficulty in operating, all or some types of parking meter; or

  • A person who has been certified as having an enduring and substantial disability which causes them, during the course of a journey, to:

    • Be unable to walk;

    • Experience very considerable difficulty whilst walking, which may include very considerable psychological distress; or

    • Be at risk of serious harm when walking; or pose, when walking, a risk of serious harm to any other person

  • Any of the above three types of difficulty whilst walking could potentially be caused by a physical disability, or by a ‘non-physical’ disability. In either case, the disability experienced by the applicant must endure for at least three years.

    Having a certain condition or disability does not automatically entitle somebody to a Blue Badge.

Children under the age three

Children under the age of three may be eligible for a badge if they fall within either or both of the following descriptions:

  • A child who, on account of a condition, must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without great difficulty;
  • A child who, on account of a condition, must always be kept near a motor vehicle so that, if necessary, treatment for that condition can be given in the vehicle or the child can be taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where such treatment can be given
Organisations

Some organisations like to apply for a Blue Badge but if you’re transporting someone who has one, their badge can be used - even if you’re driving a minibus with other people on, for example. So it may be better to encourage people who are eligible to apply for their own badge, which can then be used in any vehicle they travel in.

Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

Step 1 - Check if you're eligible

Read the eligibility criteria carefully.

Step 2 - Make sure you’ve got all the documents you need

Make sure you’ve got:

  • a passport-style photograph of yourself taken within the last month
  • your National Insurance number
  • proof of address - such as your driving licence, benefit award letter, or we can check our council tax records (we don’t accept utility bills, bank statements or tenancy agreements)
  • proof of identity - such as your birth certificate, passport or driving licence
  • proof of your relevant disability benefits or any relevant medical evidence (If you're required to supply evidence of your disability benefit and need a letter dated within the last 12 months, please contact the DWP Disability Service Centre

Provide your full benefit entitlement letter

We do not accept yearly update letters; please ask for your full entitlement letter or statement of entitlement letter which includes a point's breakdown if you are in receipt of Personal Independence Payment. All benefit letters will need to show if your entitlement is either ongoing, indefinite or has an end date.

You’ll need to have a photo of each of these, or have them scanned onto your computer, phone or tablet, so that you can upload them on to the application form. If you can’t upload them, please email them to bluebadge@warrington.gov.uk or call into Contact Warrington and we can scan your documents for you. Photographs can be taken in Contact Warrington for a fee of £4

Step 3 - Fill in the application form

Step 4 - Pay for your badge

A Blue Badge costs £10. After you finish the application form, it will explain how to pay. Or, you can pay online now - please add in your surname to the reference box when paying online.

Remember, your application may be delayed if you’ve not paid.

After you apply

We’ll look at what you’ve told us to see whether you’re eligible for a Blue Badge. We’ll write to you and let you know our decision. We deal with applications as quickly as we can but can take up to 12 weeks.

If we approve your application

We’ll send the badge to you in the post, and it’s now yours to use.

If we need more information

We may ask you for more information or evidence, or we may ask you to meet with an independent assessor.

If we refuse your application

You can ask us to review the decision by writing to us within 28 days. Please include any more relevant information which you think we need to know. 

If you haven’t already had an independent assessment, we may ask you to have one. Or if you have, you may need to have an assessment with a different independent assessor.

If your review is unsuccessful

If we still can’t give you a Blue Badge, we'll write to you and explain why. This decision is final, and we’ll refund your £10 payment.

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged Blue Badge

If your Blue Badge is lost, stolen or damaged, please apply for a replacement - There is a fee of £10, please pay online by following Step 4 – Pay for your badge

Where you can park

Check guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT). It will explain your rights and responsibilities when using the badge and provides information about where you can park.

Remember to make sure you put your badge, with the photo facing down, on your dashboard so it can be clearly seen from outside the car, and set the time where necessary. 

Blue Badge misuse

If you misuse your Blue Badge you could be fined up to £1,000, which is on top of any parking offences, fines or tickets.

Report someone who is using a Blue Badge illegally

Let us know if:

  • someone has a Blue Badge who shouldn’t have one 
  • someone is using someone else’s Blue Badge
  • someone has a Blue Badge but is parking unlawfully or dangerously

Please tell us as much information as possible such as: 

  • about the person - like their name, address or a description of them
  • their vehicle registration number
  • a description of their vehicle
  • where they usually park and when

Return a Blue Badge

If you have a Blue Badge which:

  • you don’t need anymore, including expired badges
  • is too damaged or worn to use
  • belongs to someone who has died
  • you’ve found somewhere

Please hand it in to us at Contact Warrington or post to Blue Badge Team, Warrington Borough Council, East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1UH

Other information

The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for the legislation that sets out the framework for the Blue Badge Scheme. Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the scheme. We follow the guidance which applies to England. If you visit Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland the rules will be different and you will need to look at their guidelines.
It is the responsibility of each local authority to ensure that badges are only issued to residents who satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria. Under no circumstances should anyone who does not satisfy at least one of the criteria receive a badge. Having a certain condition or disability does not automatically entitle somebody to a Blue Badge.

Remember, never pay someone to apply for you! Please ignore any websites or companies which offer to apply for a Blue Badge on your behalf, especially for a fee. If you've been affected by a scam like this please contact Citizens Advice. 

Problems applying?

If you have any problems applying for your Blue Badge please get in touch with Contact Warrington so that we can help.

26-30 Horsemarket St

Warrington

WA1 1XL