skip navigation

Blue badge

Blue badge permits

What is the blue badge Scheme?

The Disabled Person’s Badge Scheme applies throughout England and Wales and, with slight variation in Scotland. England and Wales, includes all of Greater London except the central area, that is the City of London, parts of the London Borough of Camden, the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The Disabled Person’s Badge scheme does not apply at certain security-sensitive areas, such as airports.

How can I get a blue badge?

If you receive a benefit linked to mobility impairment, you automatically qualify.

New blue badge scheme regulations

View the latest blue badge scheme regulations

Who qualifies for a blue badge?

  • people who are blind
  • people who have a permanent and substantial disability that makes walking impossible or very difficult
  • people who receive a war pensioner's mobility supplement or the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance; or a grant towards their own vehicle
  • people who use a vehicle supplied by a government department
  • drivers whose disability means that they are unable to turn a steering wheel by hand or have severe disabilities in both arms and cannot operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating all or some types of parking meter
  • parents of a child under two years who due to a specific medical condition needs to travel with bulky medical equipment or be close to a vehicle for emegency medical treatment
  • parents of a child betweeen the ages of two and under 16 can apply for a badge on their child's behalf.

What if I do not receive one of these qualifying allowances?

You will be required to attend an assessment with an independant doctor appointed by us or an occupational therapist. This is to establish the extent of impairment.

What are the parking concessions available to holders of a blue badge?

Holders may park without charge or time limit on:

  • residents' parking bays (except in the Green Badge area – see Green Badge scheme)
  • parking meters and pay-and-display bays, including out of order meters (except in the green badge area – see green badge scheme)
  • designated disabled parking spaces and areas reserved for blue badge holders only

If the blue badge Scheme is national, why can’t I use it in Central London?

Central London has acute traffic and parking pressures and there are fewer parking spaces available.

As a result of the pressure for parking spaces, Camden, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and the City of London have all introduced their own schemes.

The four above authorities have agreed that if a blue badge holder parks in a pay-and-display bay or meter bay they will get one hour’s free parking added to the time for which payment has been made, provided that at least the minimum payment required for that particular bay has been made.

Camden’s scheme is described in the green badge scheme section.

For information about other schemes, please refer to the contact numbers.

What about parking in a suspended bay?

You cannot park in any:

  • suspended bay
  • dedicated disabled bays
  • traders' bays
  • business bays
  • doctors' bays
  • taxi stand bays
  • motorcycle bays

If in doubt please contact parking services

Am I allowed to park on yellow lines?

Blue Badge holders may park for up to three hours on a single or double yellow line (providing that the clock is also on display), except:

  • where there is a loading ban in operation
  • in the Green Badge area
  • in the other central London Boroughs.

Should the photograph on my badge be displayed?

No, but you must ensure that the details on the front of the badge, i.e. expiry date, issuing authority name and serial number are always visible.

Am I allowed to let a relative or anyone else use my badge, or keep it in their vehicle?

No. It is your responsibility to ensure that your badge is properly used and you must not let anyone else use it. Each trip you take must be for your benefit. If the trip is for someone else and you are a passenger and staying in the vehicle, you cannot use the badge simply to allow them to benefit from free or better parking. To reduce the risk of someone accidentally using your badge, you should remove it whenever you are not using it and keep it in your possession.

What would happen to me if I let someone else use my badge?

Your badge can be withdrawn if you misuse it or allow others to misue it. It is a criminal offence for able bodied people to use your badge. If they do so, they are liable to a fine of up to £1,000.

Who can inspect my badge?

Police officers, traffic wardens and people working for the local authority who check that vehicles are parked properly (such as parking Attendants and Civil Enforcement Officers). These people will be able to produce a photographic identity card or warrant card if requested to prove that they are authorised officers. If any of these people ask to see your Blue Badge, you should hand it to them so that they can make notes from it. If you do not, you will be breaking the law.

What are they checking for?

They are checking to see that your badge has not been altered in any way, that it is not stolen or being used by someone, other than you, who is not entitled to use it. The checks are not about whether you are entitled to a badge. When you are asked to show your badge nothing will happen to you if it is being used correctly.

What should I do if my my blue / green badge is stolen?

If your badge is stolen you must report the theft immediately to the police. You will also need to complete a 'declaration of theft form' by contacting 020 7974 4646. You will also need to supply two passport size photographs for the issue of a replacement badge.