Understanding the UK’s disabled parking permit, called the Blue Badge scheme, can feel a little overwhelming. There are many questions and queries surrounding the scheme, the application, and what it entitles holders to. As experts in the accessible vehicle industry, we want to help. In this article, we’re going to answer all of the most frequently asked Blue Badge questions, including who qualifies, the benefits, how to apply, and more.
What is a Blue Badge?
A Blue Badge is a UK parking permit that allows those with disabilities to park closer to their destination. This is possible through designated parking spaces situated as close to the entrance of a location as possible, giving permit holders a much shorter distance to walk. The Blue Badge permit holder does not need to be the driver of the vehicle for it to be valid; a car can still park in the Blue Badge spot if it’s the passenger who holds the permit. Blue Badges also offer other benefits and exemptions for holders.
Who qualifies for a Blue Badge in the UK?
Some people automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. GOV.uk states a person is immediately eligible if one or more of the following apply:
- The person is registered blind.
- The person receives the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- The person receives a War Pensions’ Mobility Supplement.
- The person cannot walk more than 50 metres, so receives a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). They must have a score of 8 or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component.
- The person receives the mobility component of PIP and has obtained 10 points specifically for the description E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, because they cannot undertake any journey as it would cause overwhelming psychological distress. Any score here under 10 or more than 12 does not equal automatic qualification, but could still result in eligibility with proof during assessment.
- The person has received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme. The person must have been certified as having permanent and substantial disability that causes considerable difficulty or inability to walk.
Others may qualify for a Blue Badge depending on the decision of their local council. The list of potential reasons is long, ranging from being unable to walk without aids to having a child under the age of 3 that must be accompanied by bulky medical equipment. Check GOV.uk for their full list and see if there’s a chance you may qualify.
What do I need to apply for a Blue Badge?
To apply for a Blue Badge, you’ll need proof of identity and address, a recent passport-style photo, your national insurance number, and your contact details. You’ll also need to provide proof of benefits, such as proof of your PIP award or DLA award. If you don’t have one of the automatic eligibilities, your application will need to be assessed by your local council, and you’ll be required to provide extra information.
How to apply for a Blue Badge online
The application for a Blue Badge is simple. Head to GOV.uk/apply-blue-badge and follow their clear instructions to apply. Make sure you’ve got all your documents and necessary information on hand.
Is the Blue Badge free?
No, the Blue Badge isn’t free in England and Scotland – it costs £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. If you live in Wales, however, the Blue Badge is free.
Do I need a doctor’s letter to apply for a Blue Badge?
No, you don’t need a letter from your doctor for your Blue Badge scheme. A doctor’s note would be disregarded in your application; instead, keep to whatever the GOV site or your local council asks for.
What benefits can I claim if I have a Blue Badge?
With a Blue Badge, you can park in Blue Badge parking spaces, and you are exempt from certain parking restrictions and can park for free in Pay and Display bays and at on-street parking metres, unless there are loading or unloading bans. This also applies to whoever is driving the vehicle while you’re riding with them.
Can I use my Blue Badge in a Taxi?
Yes, your parking exemptions will apply if you’re riding in a taxi, but this will end once the ride is over. So, a taxi driver will be allowed to park or wait for you in a Blue Badge parking spot or on triple yellow lines so that you don’t have to walk a great distance to them. It’s useful to remember that the Blue Badge permit is for you, not for the vehicle, so it will apply to whichever vehicle you are in as long as you have the permit with you.
Do Blue Badge holders have to pay for parking in NCP car parks?
NCP (National Car Parks) is a private car park management company, operating over 600 car parks across the UK. Your Blue Badge permit does not exempt you from most NCP car park tariff charges. The majority of their car parks include disabled parking bays that you are entitled to use as a Blue Badge parking permit holder, but the normal costs will apply. However, they also manage contract parking at locations such as train stations and airports, which typically have Blue Badge parking bays that you can park in for free.
Can you park on double yellow lines with a disabled badge?
Yes, if you hold a Blue Badge permit, then you can park on double yellow lines for up to three hours. The exceptions to this are if there are loading or unloading restrictions or specific local schemes. It’s best to look up the area first and find out if you’ll be allowed to park where you plan to. Make sure you have the Blue Badge displayed in your vehicle along with a parking clock.
Can I use my Blue Badge abroad?
There are a number of European countries where your Blue Badge will be valid, including France, Germany, and Portugal. We highly recommend checking online for the specific parking rules of your destination, and rechecking the list of permitted countries every time you travel.
Do you get free car insurance with a Blue Badge?
No, car insurance isn’t free if you hold a Blue Badge. However, some insurance providers offer badge holders a discount as parking spaces are often in more secure areas than others. This reduces the risk of theft and damage, which these providers may see as favourable.
Vehicles for wheelchair users
To learn more about disabled parking permits, we recommend getting in touch with your local council or taking a look at the informative pages on the GOV website. They will offer assistance to help you with your application or assessment.
If you’re a wheelchair user and thinking of applying for a Blue Badge parking permit, there is a chance that you own or are looking to own a WAV, or ‘wheelchair accessible vehicle’. We have been offering excellent used and new WAVs for decades, dedicated to our customers and their comfort and dignity. Our sister company, Ransome Mobility, specialises in adapting vehicles with specific hand controls and hoists for those with different mobility needs whose vehicles don’t suit their needs.
We’re here to give expert advice regarding WAVs, adaptations, and Blue Badge parking questions – simply get in touch with our friendly and welcoming team today. Take a look at the wheelchair accessible vehicles we have in stock, our various vehicle adaptations, or come and visit us in Ipswich, Suffolk, today.