Blue Badge holders could be hit with a parking fine despite in general being entitled to use a disabled parking space. The Blue Badge scheme is designed to help those with disabilities or health conditions, enabling them to park nearer to their destination.
The scheme allows the badge holder, or anyone travelling in the same vehicle, to use a disabled parking bay or even park on double yellow lines. Financial perks are also part of the scheme, as badge holders frequently get free parking in disabled bays and certain car parks.
Additionally, the badge isn't linked to a particular vehicle and can be used in any car, including taxis, provided the holder is present. Nevertheless, there are some circumstances where Blue Badge holders may receive a parking fine, even if they qualify for free parking.
Guidance on GOV.UK emphasises that off-street private parking services aren't obliged to always permit free parking for people displaying a Blue Badge in their car. The guidance states: "Off-street car park operators should provide parking spaces for disabled people.
"However, it is up to the car park owner to decide whether badge holders can park free of charge. Do not assume you can always park for free."
Consequently, whilst you may be entitled to a disabled parking space in a car park run by off-street operators, you may still be required to pay a fee in some cases. These rules can apply to a wide variety of off-street car park operators such as hospitals, supermarkets, and local council car parks.
Many local parking schemes may have some restrictions that can apply to Blue Badge holders, which means you should always check if you're allowed to park for free before leaving your vehicle. This can include:
It's important to note that the Blue Badge scheme is not fully applicable in four central London boroughs due to specific traffic management concerns. These are:
