Blue Badge

A Blue Badge lets you use more accessible parking options, including disabled parking spaces. 

If you receive a Blue Badge, only you can use it. This means if someone else is picking you up or dropping you off they'll be able to use it – but you can’t lend it to someone to go and do shopping for you, for example.

If you don't need the badge anymore you have to return it to us.

The cost of a Blue Badge is £10.

Where can you park with a Blue Badge?

Blue Badge holders are exempt from certain parking restrictions. They're allowed to park:

• free of charge at on-street parking meters and in Pay and Display bays (although some exclusions apply)
• on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, except where there's a ban on loading or unloading

Who can get a Blue Badge?

You're eligible for a badge if you:

• receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
• receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and has obtained 8 points or more under the “moving around” activity
• receive the mobility component of PIP and has obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the “planning and following journeys” activity, on the grounds that they are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause them overwhelming psychological distress
• are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• have been both awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking

You may be eligible for a badge, subject to further assessment, if you are over 3 years old and may be described as one or more of the following:

• 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
• in addition, they may be at risk of serious harm when walking or pose, when walking, a risk of serious harm to any other person
• 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

What is the application process?

When applying for a Blue Badge, you will be asked a series of questions in relation to your condition(s) and how they affect your mobility. These questions may vary depending on the nature of your disability and you should ensure that you answer them as fully as possible. This will give us a better understanding of your difficulties day to day and assist us in accurately assessing your application. 

What supporting documents are needed?

For every application under the “subject to further assessment” criteria, we will require supporting documents to corroborate what you have told us in your answers. The supporting evidence can include copies of diagnosis letters and details of ongoing treatment plans, care plans, education health and care plans and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support plans. 

The supporting evidence must be dated within the last 12 months and can be provided by any of the following professionals:

• clinical psychologist
• educational psychologist
• gastroenterologist
• neurologist
• occupational therapist
• physiotherapist
• psychiatrist
• rheumatologist

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence from other professionals involved in diagnosing or treating the conditions for which you are applying will be considered. If we do not receive any supporting documentation, we will be unable to corroborate what you have told us and your application will be declined.

It is anticipated that there may be applicants that have difficulty in providing documentation digitally, in this instance we would recommend seeking assistance from friends, family, carers or health professionals involved in your care to help provide the required evidence. Photocopies of documents can also be posted, though this is likely to incur a delay. Any documents received via post will be added to the application and then shredded using secure waste disposal methods.

What is an Independent Mobility Assessment?

If it is not self-evident that you meet the eligibility criteria using the information you have provided, you may be asked to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment (IMA). This is a face-to-face assessment in which a registered health professional will review the evidence submitted, ask you questions about your conditions(s) and make observations relating to your mobility. They will then make a recommendation based on what they have observed. An Independent Mobility Assessment will only be undertaken when other options have been exhausted and eligibility is not self-evident.

How to renew your Blue Badge

Every application is treated as a new application, regardless of whether an applicant has had the badge before. This is to make sure that Blue Badges are only issued if an applicant currently meets the criteria.

Misleading information

Unfortunately, there has been information publicised relating to obtaining a Blue Badge which has been misleading and gives the impression that individuals with specific conditions or hidden disabilities will be eligible for the badge. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The decision to award a Blue Badge must be based solely on an individual’s ability to walk during journeys, regardless of their diagnosis or condition and whether they are considered to be severe or advanced and permanent. A Blue Badge must only be issued to those who meet the criteria and would otherwise not be able to access services without one. 

What is the review process?

Although local authorities have no legal requirement to offer a review process for unsuccessful applications, we do provide the opportunity for you to request a review of the decision if your application has been declined. Within your request you must clearly state your reasons for the request and provide additional (different to previously submitted) recent medical evidence, clearly showing your personal details, in relation to your conditions and how they impact your ability to walk during journeys.

If you do not do this, or your condition has not significantly deteriorated since you applied for the badge, then your request to change the decision is unlikely to be successful. Please note that we are unable to contact professionals on your behalf and we're not responsible for any charges that are incurred as a result of you requesting medical evidence to support your application.