Having a Blue Badge can be extremely useful if you’re a disabled driver. You can park in bays close to the place you’re visiting — whether you drive the vehicle or are a passenger, these badges cost £10 and last three years. As well as Blue Badges, mobility allowance is helpful in finding deals, such as carrying out a Motability car search.
If you hold one of these badges, you need to be aware of rights and responsibilities. Here, we will run through all the necessary information to make sure you’re in the know:
Do I Qualify?
To have a badge, you must be over two years of age. There are five reasons you will automatically qualify:
- You are registered blind
- You get a Personal Independence Payment which shows an eligible descriptor of the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component
- You receive a higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- You have been given a sum by the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme and have been registered with a substantial and permanent disability
- You receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility supplement
However, you may also be entitled to own a Blue Badge if you:
- Regularly drive a vehicle and have severe disabilities with your arms
- Have a substantial or permanent disability that means you can’t, or it’s very difficult to walk
- Have a terminal illness which interferes with your ability to walk and has led to you being issued with a DS1500
How Do I Apply?
If you need to apply for a badge, make sure you have your National Insurance number handy, or if it’s for a child, a child reference number. If you already have a driving licence, you’ll be required to provide your details alongside the number, local council, and expiry date on your current Blue Badge — if you own one.
You’ll also need an up-to-ate photograph of the badge holder, identification, proof of address, and if you’re automatically eligible, your original decision letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you’re automatically eligible, the application process is quite simple, you can fill in the form online or by contacting your local council. If you’re not automatically eligible, you’ll be required to fill in an additional section on the form. You should hear back from your council within six to eight weeks and you may be asked to do a mobility assessment or to send extra information before you are granted with the badge. If for whatever reason you are refused, you can ask for the decision to be reconsidered.
Who Can Use It?
If you are the driver or passenger of a vehicle, anyone can use it. However, misuse is illegal. If the badge is used without you in attendance, the user could be fined up to £1,000 and the badge may be confiscated. If you are a passenger, it’s your responsibility to make sure that the driver is aware of any rules laid out.
Don’t give your badge to friends or family for free parking — even if they are visiting you. Also, although it’s not illegal to do so, you shouldn’t sit in the car while someone else takes advantage of the badge’s benefits.
Where Can I Use It?
Having a Blue Badge doesn’t give you the right to park wherever you want. It is only intended for on-street parking, with off-street car parks such as supermarkets spaces being governed by separate rules. You must make sure you do not park anywhere which could cause an obstruction or be a danger to other road users. Doing so may result in a Penalty Charge Notice being handed out, or worse yet your vehicle may be removed.
Holding a Blue Badge permits you to park on yellow lines for three hours as long as loading areas aren’t obstructed. It’s vital that you display your blue parking clock for any wardens to see what time you arrived.
When it comes to parking in a zone which is covered by parking meters and pay-and-display machines, your badge allows you to park free of charge for as long as is required. This also goes for disabled parking bays, unless it states otherwise. Be sure to check with any off-street car park establishments what their status is — never assume you can just park for free or you may receive a nasty surprise.
Make sure to check other country’s regulations if you travel outside of England. The same goes for travelling in London — check with Transport for London for further information. This is due to the fact the scheme doesn’t fully apply in the City of London, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and part of the London Borough of Camden.
Can I use It Abroad?
You can use your badge abroad because it’s recognised by the EU. However, it must be noted that the concessions provided may not be the same as those in the UK. Currently though, there are no arrangements in place that would allow you to use your badge outside the EU in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.
How Do I Display It?
When displaying your badge, make sure it is visible to traffic wardens. The best way to do this is by placing it on the dashboard or facia panel so that it can be read through your front windscreen. Your photograph should not be visible, however, and you should ensure that all details remain legible.
Reapplying
Reapply for your badge a while before the expiry date; if it expires, you may be fined if you continue to use it. It’s possible to renew online and you will also receive a letter from the Blue Badge Improvement Service to remind you it’s time to renew.
The Blue Badge is certainly a great addition to help people go about their daily lives. Just make sure you know your rights and responsibilities to avoid any unwanted fines!
Sources
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/727/using-your-blue-badge