Almost three million people rely on a key parking aid to help them get around. Latest figures show rising numbers of Blue Badge holders, giving them parking concessions which mean they can park nearer to their destinations, in disabled bays and often on double yellow lines.
As of March 31, 2024, England had 2.84 million Blue Badges in use - a 10% increase on the previous year, meaning 4.9% of the population now holds one of these permits. However, holders may not know the permits have an expiry date.
They are valid for three years before needing to be renewed. However this isn't automatic with holders having to submit a fresh application to continue using the scheme.
Those who fail to do this and continue to use an out-of-date permit it could find it proves costly. For the offence is classed as "misusing" the badge and comes with a potential £1,000 fine.
During the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, authorities issued 1.13 million badges. This is made up of a mixture of both renewals and first-time applications.
However the huge numbers means getting a Blue Badge, either as a new applicant or someone who is renewing, could involve a considerable wait. The Government has warned that processing an application can take up to 12 weeksmfor both new or existing badge holders.
People in England, Wales, or Scotland who need a new Blue Badge or have to renew an existing one, can apply online. However, the process differs if you're based in Northern Ireland.
The official gov.uk site says: "A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It's free in Wales. They usually last up to 3 years. You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires."
But having a Blue Badge previously doesn't guarantee you are guaranteed to receive another. Local councils run these schemes, with many providing guidelines on eligibility and application procedures.
Gateshead Council, one of the local authorities which administers the Badges, states: "To renew your Blue Badge you need to go through the same process as you would if applying for the first time. It is your responsibility to renew your Blue Badge.
"You are not automatically entitled to a new badge because you have had one in the past. Every application must be accompanied by the supporting evidence stated, whether a new application or renewal. This is a requirement set out by the Department for Transport."
You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:.
If you've scored anything other than 10 points under descriptor E, in the 'planning and following journeys' activity of PIP, you might still be eligible for a Blue Badge, but it's not an automatic qualification. This includes if you have a higher score of 12. You'll need to provide evidence to demonstrate your eligibility which will be assessed as part of your application.
You might be eligible for a badge if one or more of the following applies:
- you cannot walk at all
- you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids
- you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes
- walking is dangerous to your health and safety
- you have a life limiting illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form
- you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but cannot operate pay-and-display parking machines
- you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
- you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment
- you are constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
- you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey
- you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others
- you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
- you frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces
Your local council will decide if you are eligible for a badge. They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence. It may take 12 weeks or longer to assess your application. If they decide that you are not eligible and you think that they did not take account of all the facts, you can ask them to consider your application again.
According to the government: "A Blue Badge will help you to park close to your destination, either as a passenger or driver. The badge is intended for on-street parking only. Off-street car parks, such as those provided by shopping centres, hospitals or supermarkets are covered by separate rules."
You can apply on the government website. There’s a different way to apply if you’re in Northern Ireland.
