Blue Badges
If you're disabled, a Blue badge permit allows you to park legally near to places you need to visit.
The permit is for any eligible disabled person whether you're travelling as a driver, or as a passenger. It allows you to park free in some pay and display car parks and on single and double yellow lines in most streets for up to three hours.
Although this is a national scheme that operates throughout the UK and is recognised in Europe, it’s delivered locally by us. We only issue badges in accordance with the guidelines and regulations provided by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Apply
Blue Badges cost £10, for both new and replacement badges.
Supporting information to help you with your application:
- Supporting info for an automatic application [pdf]
- Supporting info for a discretionary application [pdf]
- Supporting info for an organisational application [pdf]
After submitting your application, you must then:
Badges are renewed every three years with reminders sent out six weeks before your badge is due to expire. Renewing a badge remains your responsibility and you'll need the details of your current badge to hand when applying for a renewal.
If we decide you need further assessment, an appointment will be arranged to see our independent physiotherapist for a face-to-face assessment.
Who can have a Blue Badge?
You could automatically qualify for a blue badge if you're:
- In receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
- In receipt of 8 points or more for the 'Moving Around' element of the mobility component of Personal independence Payment (PIP)
- In receipt of a war pensioner's mobility supplement
- Registered blind (partially sighted is not an automatic qualification for a badge).
You may qualify for a badge if you're more than three years old and either:
- Have a permanent and substantial disability which means you're unable to walk or have considerable difficulty in walking
- Drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate all or some types of parking meters
Please note, you may be asked to provide medical evidence to support your condition and/or be asked to attend a face to face assessment with an independent physiotherapist.
Lost or stolen Blue Badge
If your badge is lost, stolen or damaged please report it online for a replacement. Before you receive your replacement you must pay £10.
Appeal against a decision
If your application has been refused, you can ask us to reconsider the decision in writing within 28 days. You can include any further information which may support a successful application. You will be asked to attend a mobility assessment with a physiotherapist. A decision may take longer if further evidence is required.
If the decision remains not to award a Blue Badge, we'll write to you with a full explanation. Whether the review is successful or not, the decision is final.
Please note: The rules about eligibility for a blue badge have changed considerably. Even if you've been issued with a Blue Badge in the past, this does not mean that you will be issued one again.
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 for a fee. There's no need to pay to apply for a Blue Badge, you can do it yourself online via GOV.UK.
If you've been affected by a scam like this then contact Citizens Advice who can explain how to report the website/company and how to try and get your money back. Call 03454 040506 or visit the CAB website.