Following an email from someone who thought they were parking legally in a "Disabled Parking" bay in Central London, and subsequently received a parking ticket. Whether you live in London or plan to travel into London and park thought it would be a good idea just to spread the word about the use of your Blue Badge for parking.
As a "rule of thumb" check the council website of the area you are travelling to for information on where you can park. Most allow use of the Blue Badge however Central London has an exemption zone.
That means that although there are some disabled parking bays you can use with your Blue Badge, you require a different badge to park in dedicated Borough parking bays. This are all labelled as "DISABLED" on the tarmac but the sign above the bay, which you may not notice, will tell you the restriction on the bay.
You have to be careful in the London Borough of Camden. This borough is 'split' for parking. Part of the borough is in the Central London Exemption zone. As with Westminster there are Blue Badge Bays but also they have a "Green Badge" for residents and/or people that work in the area. Often a Green Bay and a Blue Bay will be close if not next to each other. This means, as in the case reported to me, that you can accidentialy park in the Green Bay as the tarmac merely says "DISABLED" and you need to check the signs over the bay's with care.
The City of London has Blue Badge parking bays with its own Red Badge scheme for residents and/or people working there.
Finally, as the the aforementioned, The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea also operates a Blue Badge and its own scheme.
PDF version
Overview of the Blue Badge map
The Blue Badge map can be used to find:
- Blue Badge parking bays in over 100 towns and cities across the UK
- Red Route parking bays in London
- petrol stations and their service facilities on major routes in the UK
- accessible public toilets in over 100 towns and cities across the UK
- railway stations and their accessibility
- Underground stations and their accessibility in London
- taxi ranks
- Shopmobility centres
- accessible beaches
- Wheelyboat locations
- Mobility Centres
- locations of interest, like town halls, hospitals, museums and tourist attractions
- parking rules for all councils in the UK
How to use the map
You can search the map by entering a street, town or postcode. Alternatively, you can pick a town or city from a list of all locations covered by the service.
You can choose the facilities you would like to see displayed on the map from a list by ticking the box next to the desired facility and then clicking on 'show'. You can see the details about a facility by clicking on its icon.
The map has eight different scales. The facilities will be displayed in the three largest scales (showing the most detail). To change the scale, you can either use the bar above the map or the wheel of your mouse, if it has one.
To move the map, you can use the arrows placed around the outside of the map. Alternatively, you can click and drag it. To do this, place the mouse on the map, hold down the mouse button and move the mouse. You can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard, although that method is much slower.
Different councils have different parking rules, and the map uses a colour-coding system to show the rules in any given area.
To see what the different colours mean, click on 'Parking rules'. There is an explanation of the colour scheme and a list of councils.
If you would like to find out more details about the rules for a particular council, scroll down the list if necessary to find it. Choose the council and a pop-up box with the detailed rules, including any special exceptions etc, will be displayed on the screen.
About the facilities featured on the map
The map features Blue Badge bays, council car parks, taxi ranks and public toilets in 115 towns and cities across the UK. Red Route bays in London are also covered.
In addition, petrol stations along major routes are featured, indicating their services. This includes cash machines, 24-hour-opening, accessible toilets and ServiceCall.
New on the map are railway stations, including their access level. There are three access levels:
- accessible - step-free access to all platforms and staff to help
- partly accessible - step-free access to all platforms but there may not be any staff to help
- inaccessible - steps to some or all platforms
In London, Underground stations are displayed, including access information.
Where applicable, there is also information on reductions for disabled drivers on tolls for bridges and tunnels.
There are a number of other features, some of which may need an introduction:
Shopmobility
Shopmobility is a scheme which lends manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to anyone who needs help with mobility. Shopmobility centres are usually located in a town centre or shopping centre, enabling people to go shopping and to visit leisure and commercial facilities.
Each scheme varies so it is important to contact the scheme you wish to visit, prior to using the service. In some centres you need to book in advance, for example.
There is sometimes a charge for using the service, though some centres provide it for free.
Mobility Centres
Mobility Centres offer advice and assessment to people who wish to begin or return to driving following an illness, injury or accident. They also offer advice with regard to getting in and out of a vehicle and with regard to loading and transporting a wheelchair or a scooter in a motor vehicle.
There are 17 Mobility Centres across the UK. Although independent, the centres are recognised by other mobility organisations including Motability and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Wheelyboats
Wheelyboats provide disabled people with easy and safe independent access to a variety of waterborne activities such as pleasure boating, angling and nature watching.
There are different models, but all are designed to accommodate disabled people, particularly wheelchair users, and are completely accessible.
Accessible beaches
Accessible beaches provide access to the beach by a ramp or slipway and have accessible toilets and disabled parking. Some beaches also have boardwalks along the beach and to the water.
Accessibility of the Blue Badge map
This service uses mapping technology and, while every endeavour has been made to ensure that the service is as accessible as possible, mapping tools are not fully accessible with some types of screen readers.
There is a text-only version of the Blue Badge parking bays, Red Route bays, petrol stations and public toilets search.
You can find full details about Directgov's accessibility policy in the 'Help' section.
Well my email has been busy. I am currently seeking a response from another London Council who issued a ticket as a Blue Badge wasn't displayed. Of course you would expect a ticket in this situation.
However this was given when the driver parked to urgently access toilet facilities and in the rush neglected to place their badge in a visible place. We believe that this council should have given better consideration to the circumstances here as the issue is related to their HIV and there may be a case under the Disability Discrimination Act for them to have made a "reasonable adjustment" to existing policy in the case of issuing and pursing payment of this ticket. Of concern is that there may be some HIV stigma here also. It seems the council would rather the badge had been placed regardless of the person potentially "soiling" themself and their car.
I am waiting for a response from the council and will give more details on who it is soon.
Publications and other resources
DPTAC Publications
Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments
Access for all
Air travel
Buildings
Buses
Maritime
Motoring
Taxis / PHVs
Trains
Travel information
Personal Mobility
This page contains a number of references to DPTAC publications and other useful resources. Each reference aims to include the title, when published and brief description plus how to obtain copies. The links are grouped into areas of interest. To find a particular service, use your browser's search facility or go to the site's search page.
Publications highlighted and underlined in blue below contain a link to the document.
If you would like to have a reference added, please complete our reference request form. Please note DPTAC cannot guarantee that the reference will be added and that we are not responsible for the content of references or their accessibility to people with disabilities.
If you find a reference you believe should be removed as it is out-dated or not applicable, please e-mail us with the information. Please note DPTAC cannot guarantee that the reference will be deleted.
Thank you.
DPTAC Publications
Publications available from DPTAC are free of charge, and may be available in alternative formats. All DPTAC documents can be obtained by e-mail from the DPTAC Secretariat.
- Who We Are and What We Do (Adobe Acrobat - 209kb)
- DPTAC's Publication Scheme sets out the sorts of information that DPTAC publishes at present and will publish in the future. The Publication Scheme also explains how you can obtain this information.
Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c50)
- Freedom of Information Act 2000
- Greater London Authority Act 1999
- Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000
- Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998
- Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations 2000
- Rail Vehicle (Exemption Applications) Regulations 1998
- Railways Act 1993 (c43)
- Transport Act 2000
- Transport (Scotland) Act 2001
- Transport Act 1985
All available from The Stationery Office, telephone orders: 0870 6005 522. More recent Acts and Statutory Instruments are available at www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/uk.htm
Access for all
Briefing for Multi Modal Study teams
Published 2001
DPTAC Advice to Multi-modal team on what to include for disabled people
ECMT Charter on Access to Transport Services and Infrastructure
Published 1999
Charter adopted by the European Conference of Ministers of Transport to ensure accessibility for disabled people is built into new transport infrastructure.
All the above are available from DPTAC. Other related resources on access for all are listed below:
Wheels within wheels: a guide to using a wheelchair on public transport
Published 2003
Guidance on how compatible each UK manual and powered wheelchair is with buses, trains and taxis in the UK.
Available free from Ricability at mail@ricability.org.uk; Tel 020 7427 2460
Please send an A4 stamped addressed envelope and �0.56 to cover postage.
www.ricability.org.uk/reports/report-mobility/wheelswithinwheels/contents.htm
Accessible Public Transport Infrastructure Guidelines for the Design of Interchanges, Terminals and Stops.
Published 2001 as 'Inclusive Mobility'
www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/peti/inclusivemobility
A new deal for transport: Better for everyone
Published 1998
The Government's Transport White Paper setting out the direction of national transport policy.
www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/previous/anewdealfortransportbetterfo5695
DRC Code of Practice on Rights of Access to Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises
Published 1999 and updated in 2003
www.equalityhumanrights.com/Documents/Disability/Services/Access_code.pdf (Adobe Acrobat - 880kb)
Design and Operation of Accessible Public Transport
Published 1996
Available from JMU Access Partnership
www.jmuaccess.org.uk
Disability Discrimination Act information
Free information available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission available at:
www.equalityhumanrights.com
Guidance on Full Local Transport Plans
Published 2000
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236 and
www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/ltp/guidance/fltp/
A Good Practice Guide for the Development of Local Transport Plans
Published 2000
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236 and
www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/ltp/guidance/fltp/agoodpracticeguideforthedeve3656
Older People: their Transport Needs and Requirements
Published 2001
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236 and
www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/inclusion/older/
Sign Design Guide: a guide to inclusive signage
Published 2000
www.jmuaccess.org.uk
Social Exclusion and the provision and availability of Public Transport 2000
Published 2000
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236
Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan (paragraphs 6.5-6.6)
Published 2000
Available from the Stationery Office and www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/previous/transporttenyearplan2000
Air travel
Design Specification for On-Board Wheelchair for Commercial Passenger Aircraft
Access to Air Travel: Guidance for Disabled and Less Mobile Passengers
A simple guide for disabled and less mobile passengers to help make flying easier and a more positive experience. This is a companion guide to the DfT voluntary code of practice Access to air travel for disabled people: code of practice. Further advice is also available in Your rights to fly- what you need to know published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Consultation on Accessibility Specification for Toilets on Aircraft
Access to Air Travel
Published 1988.
DPTAC newsletter about the Aviation working group
CAA Guidance on Seating Restrictions
Published 2001
Information from the Civil Aviation Authority explaining the reasons for safety restrictions on aircraft.
All the above are available from DPTAC.
Buildings
Built environment related resources are listed below:
Commitment to Inclusive Design
A model inclusion policy for Architects to assist them, their clients and other colleagues in the industry to deliver inclusive design.
Inclusive Projects
This guide offers best practice advice on how all participants in the development process can contribute to the delivery of a high quality inclusive environment that provides access to all members of society, including disabled people.
DTLR The Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No2561)
Published 1998
Available from the Stationery Office
New approved Document on Part M of the Building Regulations Part M: Access and Facilities for Disabled People 2004 Edition (ISBN 0117539015)
Published 1999; Updated 2003
Available from the Stationery Office and www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/4000000000988.html
The Arts Council of England National Lottery Funding Capital Programme: Access Guidelines and Checklist
Published 1998
Available from the Arts council lottery.com@artscouncil.org.uk
Buses
Revised Accessibility Specification for Small Buses Designed to Carry 9 to 22 Passengers (Inclusive): November 2007
Accessibility Specification for Small Buses Designed to Carry 9 to 22 Passengers (Inclusive): December 2001 (superceded by the above document)
Recommended Specifications for Low-Floor Buses - now superseded by the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000.
Re-statement of Recommended Specifications for Buses used to Operate Local Services - now superseded by the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000.
Take Care of Your Customers - Advice to Bus and Coach Operators
Published 1996.
A leaflet on customer care.
All the above are available from DPTAC. Other bus and coach related resources are listed below:
COST 332 Low-Floor Buses
Published 1996
This report draws together information on European operational experience of low floor buses (LFB), including research data and carefully monitored trials and to provide manufacturers, operators and local authorities with an informed assessment of the technological and economic aspect of low floor buses.
Available at: cordis.europa.eu/cost-transport/home.html
From Workhorse to Thoroughbred: A Better Role for Bus Travel
Published 1999
Daughter document of the Transport White Paper setting out proposals for bus policy.
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236 and www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/gen/fromworkhorsetothoroughbreda3567
Maritime
Designing and Operating Passenger Vessels and Passenger Shore Infrastructure: Guidance on Meeting the Needs of Persons with Reduced Mobility (Consultation closes 5 December 2007)
Review of DPTAC guidance: Large passenger ships and passenger infrastructure - final report
Published 2006.
The Design of Large Passenger Ships and Passenger Infrastructure: Meeting the Needs of Disabled Passengers
Published 2000.
Document for ferry and terminal operators addressing needs of disabled passengers.
All the above are available from DPTAC. Other ferry and port related resources are listed below:
The Merchant Shipping
(Passenger Ship Construction: Ships of Classes I II II(a) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No.2514)
Available from the Stationery Office
STCW 95 (International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)
SOLAS (Full Edition)
Available from IMO Publication Section on 0207 735 7611
IMO Document
Motoring
DPTAC position statement: road user charging
Published August 2006
Review of the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme (The Blue Badge Scheme): recommendations for change
Published December 2002
Code of Practice on Facilities for Disabled Motorists at Filling Stations
Published 1998.
Leaflet guide for operators of filling stations
Disabled Persons' Parking Badge Scheme (The Blue Badge Scheme)
Published 2001.
Register of Driving Instructors for Disabled People
Information concerning driving instructors with disability experience. Available from Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Mobility Centre 020 8770 1151.
Restrictions on Personal Vehicular Transport
Published 1988.
Report on the government's proposals to encourage greater use of public transport, including walking and cycling and reducing reliance on the private car whilst still meeting the needs of disabled people
Review of the Orange Badge Scheme
Published 1999.
Report reviewing the scheme and giving recommendations for further review
All the above are available from DPTAC. Other motoring related resources are listed below
The Blue Badge Scheme: Advisory Leaflet
Provides information on the Blue Badge scheme and eligibility criteria.
Available at www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/
Parking for Disabled People, Traffic Advisory Leaflet 05/95
Published 1995
Available at: www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/tpm/tal/parkingmatters/parkingfordisabledpeople
Reciprocal Parking Arrangements for Disabled and Blind People in Europe
Provides information on how the Blue Badge scheme works across Europe
Available at www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/
Routes Access & Map Planning (RAMP)
Provides routes in the UK and Europe showing locations of accessible facilities like toilets.
Available from RAMP on 01743 761181
Taxis / PHVs
Making private hire services more accessible to disabled people
A good practice guide for Private Hire Vehicle operators and drivers.
Available from DPTAC
Advice for Taxi Drivers - Meeting the Needs of Disabled Passengers
Published 1995.
Leaflet for taxi drivers containing a good practice guide in providing taxi services for elderly and disabled passengers
Available from DPTAC
Guidance on Training for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers in Disability Issues. (to be added to the website)
Published 1997.
Booklet for licensing authorities to assist them to introduce training for taxi and private hire services to respond to the travel needs of disabled passengers
Available from DPTAC
Guidelines for the Establishment of Taxicard Schemes
Published 1996.
Advice booklet on setting up a taxicard scheme
Available from DPTAC
All the above are available from DPTAC. Other taxi and minicabs (private hire vehicles) related resources are listed below:
Travelling with Assistance Dogs in Taxis: Advice for Disabled People also version for taxi drivers
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236
www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/taxis/pubs/general/travellingwithassistancedogs6148
Trains
Advice to Short-listed Bidders for Rail Franchises
Letter sent to all short listed bidders giving advice on what to include in the rail re-franchise process.
The above are available from DPTAC. Other rail related resources are listed below:
Cost 335 Passengers' Accessibility of Heavy Rail Systems
Published 1999
The purpose of this report is to provide guidance on best practice in meeting the needs of rail travellers with reduced mobility. The report deals with the technical and economic issues involved in achieving access to rolling stock and to stations and with issues of information.
Available at: cordis.europa.eu/cost-transport/home.html
Guidance to Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998
To be published 2001
Available from DfT mu@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Meeting the needs of disabled passengers
Published 1994 (new edition forthcoming - see below)
Available from Strategic Rail Authority Fax: 020 7654 6010
Train and Station Services for Disabled Passengers: a Code of Practice
To be published in 2001
Available from Strategic Rail Authority Fax: 020 7654 6010
Guidance on Disabled Persons Protection Policies
To be published in 2001
Available from Strategic Rail Authority Fax: 020 7654 6010
Travel information
Legibility of Timetables, Books and Leaflets
Published 1996.
Booklet setting out a code of good practice for legibility in transport timetables, books and leaflets. The Association of transport Co-ordinating Officers (ATCO) is currently producing new guidance in consultation with DPTAC
All the above are available from DPTAC. Other travel information related resources are listed below:
Personal Mobility
Walking and pedestrian environment related resources are listed below:
DPTAC revised statement on shared surfaces
Published 2008
DPTAC postion statement on Shopmobility
Published 2006
Encouraging Walking: Advice to local authorities
Published 2000
Available from DfT Charging and Local Transport Division 3
e-mail: cycle_walk@dft.gsi.gov.uk and
www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/walking/
How to Choose a Powered Vehicle
Available from Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Mobility Centre
Tel: 020 8770 1151 and www.qefd.org
Inclusive Mobility
Available from DfT, e-mail: miu@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces
Published 1998
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236 and
www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/peti/guidanceontheuseoftactilepav6167
Older People: their Transport Needs and Requirements
Published 2001
Available from DfT Free Literature 0870 1226 236 and
www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/inclusion/older/
LTN2/95 The Design of Pedestrian Crossings
Published 2001
Available from the Stationery Office
Personal Security Issues in Pedestrian Journeys
Published 1999
Available from DfT Free Literature and on website:
www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/crime/personalsecurity/personalsecurityissuesinpede3005
Reducing Mobility Handicaps - Towards a barrier free environment
(to be replaced by the Inclusive Mobility)
Photocopies available from The Institution of Highways and Transportation Tel: 020 7387 2525 - Web: www.iht.org.uk
Sense and Accessibility: How to improve access on the countryside paths, routes and trails for people with mobility impairments.
Published 1999
Available from Countryside Agency Publications Tel: 0870 12064666
Traffic Advisory Leaflet 4/91: Audible and Tactile Signals at Pelican Crossings
Published 1991
Available from DfT Charging and Local Transport Division, 76 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DR
Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/91: Audible and Tactile Signals at Signal Controlled Junctions
Published 1991
Available from DfT Charging and Local Transport Division, 76 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DR
Councils could be breaking the law by refusing to issue eligible disabled people with Blue Badge parking permits, the government has warned.
There has been a crack down on the Blue Badge system due to widespread abuse.
Now some councils are being accused of being too strict in applying new guidelines to stop any fraudulent use.
The government has written to councils in England, warning them they could be "unjustifiably and unlawfully" turning down those with disabilities.
Under new rules, Blue Badge applicants have to receive higher rate mobility allowance or show they have severe difficulties in walking.
Behavioural or psychological problems are not in themselves a qualification, and it is no longer GPs who decide who qualifies, but local authorities.
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 Stephanie isn't able to walk very far without her legs hurting her  Rafaella Newman, whose daughter Stephanie has Downs Syndrome
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Helen Smith, from Mobilise - a charity which represents disabled drivers - said strict interpretation of the rules meant some people were being denied the badges.
"Unfortunately some people that should get badges aren't getting badges because councils are interpreting the rules in ways that they shouldn't be interpreting them," she says.
"This is the problem when you have got lots of different councils, hundreds of them, interpreting rules how they like."
Level of mobility
Stephanie Newman, who has Downs Syndrome, has fallen foul of the crack down.
She has been entitled to a disabled Blue Badge for 16 years, but now due to the reform of the system, her badge has been taken away.
Her local council says she does not meet the criteria for a Blue Badge as qualification is directly related to a person's level of mobility. It has ruled that a disability does not automatically qualify someone for a badge.
But Stephanie's mother Rafaella, who drives her to many activities each week, said being able to park close by was essential: "Stephanie isn't able to walk very far without her legs hurting her.
Paul Clark: No-one should be denied a badge if they meet the criteria
"Stephanie has one leg shorter than the other, her muscles are very weak, and she finds it quite painful."
The government has now written a letter to all local authorities warning them they could be misinterpreting the guidelines, so some people with a valid entitlement to a Blue Badge might be "unjustifiably and unlawfully turned down".
Transport Minister Paul Clark told the BBC
that some local authorities were interpreting the rules incorrectly, by turning down any badge applicant who did not meet the stricter criteria that exist for higher disability benefits.
"That is not the case and we need to make that clear," he said.
"Nobody must be denied the opportunity to have a Blue Badge if they meet the criteria of the Blue Badge scheme."
But Mr Clark said some badges were being sold illegally or "misused within families".
"We want to make sure that the real people get those Blue Badges, they're able to use them effectively and efficiently, and they're not crowded out by them being in the wrong hands," he added.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8094095.stm
The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK.
About the scheme
The concessions provided under the scheme apply to on-street parking only.
Badge holders may park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours in England and Wales, except where there is a ban on loading or unloading. There are also a few locations where local schemes apply, such as parts of central London. You must display both your Blue Badge and parking disc showing time of arrival.
There is no time limit for parking on yellow lines in Scotland.
Badge holders may park for free and for as long as they need to at on-street parking meters and pay-and-display machines, unless there is a traffic sign specifying a time limit for holders of Blue Badges.
Where a time limit is in force you must also display the special blue parking disc showing time of arrival.
While the scheme operates throughout the UK, there are small variations in its application in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from England. Please see the relevant website for further information.
Where the scheme doesn't apply
The Blue Badge scheme does not apply to off-street car parks, private roads or at most airports.
You can find airport plans showing disabled parking on the Blue Badge map.
The scheme does not fully apply in four central London boroughs:
You can find Blue Badge bays in these central London areas on the Blue Badge map.
London congestion charge
Blue Badge holders qualify for a 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge, but you must register with Transport for London (TfL) at least 10 days before your journey and pay a one-off £10 registration fee. You can download a registration form from the TfL website.
Telephone: 0845 900 1234
Textphone: 020 7649 9123
Toll concessions
Blue Badge holders are exempt from tolls at certain river crossings, bridges and tunnels.
In some cases, you will have to apply in advance to qualify for a concession.
The Department of Transport's website has a list of bridges and tunnels where concessions apply. You can also choose tolls as a feature to be shown on the Blue Badge map.
Using your Blue Badge abroad
Blue Badges - sometimes known as disabled parking permits - can be used throughout the UK and in some other European countries.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), an independent road safety charity, publishes a booklet with detailed information on the use of the Blue Badge in European countries countries. The booklet can be downloaded from the IAM website.
The UK has reciprocal parking arrangements with other European Union (EU) countries. There are currently no formal arrangements with any other countries.
You can find more information on the European Commission's website.
When travelling outside the EU it is best to take your badge with you and check in the areas you are visiting to see whether you are entitled to use your badge.
There is further information on the Department for Transport's website.
Who can have a Blue Badge
You are automatically eligible to apply for a badge if you are over two years old and either:
You may also be eligible for a badge if you are over two years old and either:
If you are a parent of a child who is less than two years old, you may apply for a badge for your child if they have a specific medical condition which means that they either:
Apply for a Blue Badge parking permit
Your local council is responsible for issuing Blue Badge parking permits - contact them for more information.
The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local council website where you can find out more and/or apply online. This service is only available for councils in England.
Misuse of the Blue Badge
Local councils can take away a badge if the badge holder misuses it - for example, by allowing other people to use it or if a person's disability improves so that they are no longer eligible for the scheme.
If you are a badge holder, it can only be used for your benefit. If a trip is for someone else and you are a passenger and staying in the vehicle, you cannot use the badge simply to let them benefit from free parking.
Blue Badges must be properly issued and displayed in accordance with regulations. Badges should be displayed on the dashboard or facia of the vehicle with the side showing the wheelchair symbol facing forward. Badges should be removed from view when the parking concessions are not being used.
It is an offence if people other than the badge holder take advantage of the parking concessions provided under the scheme. The maximum fine if someone is convicted is £1,000 plus any additional penalty for the related parking offence.