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Individuals in the UK dealing with disabilities or medical conditions that limit their mobility, including ailments such as dementia or Parkinson’s, might qualify for a Blue Badge. This pass grants them the ability to park closer to their destinations, easing their daily travels.
Whether they are driving or riding as passengers, those with a Blue Badge can enjoy free parking in designated disabled bays and may be exempt from certain parking restrictions. This badge provides access to parking privileges in areas typically restricted to other motorists, such as on-street parking meters and, under specific circumstances, even over single or double yellow lines.
It is crucial to note, however, that there are specific locations where Blue Badge holders are prohibited from parking at any time, day or night. Ignoring these restrictions could lead to hefty fines or penalties.
The Daily Record outlines 11 primary locations where parking is not allowed for badge holders:
- Clearways (no stopping) including urban and bus stop clearways, during their hours of operation.
- Where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken.
- Pedestrian crossings and zigzag lines.
- Parking places reserved for specific users such as residents or taxis.
- Where there are one or two yellow markings on the kerb.
- In loading/unloading bays unless signs specify time limits for badge holders.
- School ‘keep clear’ markings during the hours shown on yellow no-stopping plate.
- Suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed.
- On double or single red lines during their hours of operation.
- Where temporary parking restrictions are in force – such as roadworks or no-waiting cones.
- Bus, tram or cycle lanes (Badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes).
Conversely, here are four examples of parking benefits available to those with a Blue Badge:
- Parking free of charge and without time limit at on-street pay-and-display spaces.
- Parking free of charge on single or double yellow lines, unless there are loading restrictions in place and as long as it is safe to do so.
- Parking free of charge and without time limit at on-street parking meter spaces.
- Parking free of charge at on-street disabled person’s parking spaces.
Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?
For individuals aged three and above, immediate qualification for a Blue Badge is possible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You are registered blind (severely sight-impaired).
- You have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation). Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
- You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- You receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
- You receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component).
- You receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress.
How can I get a Blue Badge?
Citizens of England, Scotland and Wales can apply for a Blue Badge on GOV.UK. Residents who reside in Northern Ireland are required to use a different process available at NI Direct.
Blue Badges can be acquired for a maximum of £10 in England and up to £20 in Scotland, whilst they are given out at no cost in Wales. Each badge usually stays valid for up to three years.
For further information, visit the Government’s website.
