Blue Badges

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Blue Badge Fact Sheet
Last updated: September 2010

Introduction

This fact sheet provides information about the ‘Blue Badge Scheme’ which offers considerable parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers.

The badge is issued solely for the use of a disabled person, although applications from the public will also be considered when difficulty in walking is only intermittent.

You can ask for a blue badge application form by phone or by completing an electronic request form.

Eligibility for a blue badge

You will be eligible to apply if:

• you receive the higher rate of mobility component of the disability living allowance
• you receive the mobility supplement to the War Pension
• you are registered blind under the National Assistance Act 1948
• you have permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk, or have considerable difficulty in walking.

Applying for a blue badge

You can now apply for a blue badge over the telephone. Please call our blue badge team on 01225 713002. Alternatively, you can complete the electronic form to ask us either to phone you back, or to send you an application form. Completed application forms should be returned to Customer Care Centre, Department of Resources, Wiltshire Council, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8JN.

How long does the blue badge last?

The badge lasts up to three years, depending on how long it is issued for. If it is still required after this period you must re-apply to renew it.

How long does it take to issue the blue badge?

We aim to issue blue badges within 10 working days, providing all the relevant paperwork has been returned to the team.

How much does the blue badge cost?

Wiltshire Council makes no charge for the blue badge.

What are the criteria for a blue badge?

The applicant, who is the individual making the application, or on whose behalf an application is being made, must be over two years of age. For children under the age of two, please contact the blue badgeteam on 01225 713002.

People, who are in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance or the War Pensioners’ mobility supplement, will automatically qualify for a blue badge. This also applies to people who are registered blind.

For others with severe mobility impairments, a blue badge may be issued once an application form has been completed either over the phone, completed electronically on the website, or sent in on paper. We may need to contact your doctor or other health professionals.

Can I sign on behalf of my husband, wife, son, or daughter?

Yes. The application can be signed on behalf of the applicant by a designated member of the family, or by a friend.

Do you send out advice about renewal dates?

Yes. We automatically contact all current blue badge holders approximately one month before the expiry date of their badge. If you move before your badge is due to run out please contact the blue badge team on 01225 713002 with your new address.

When renewing my badge, do I need to complete another form?

Yes. Each badge is treated as a new application.

Can I use my badge anywhere in the UK?

No. There are some restrictions which are identified on page 15 of the booklet provided with a blue badge.

I’m moving; can I use my badge in another local authority area?

Yes. You can still use your badge up until the expiry date. To renew the badge you will need to re-apply through your new local council. You will need to follow through the new council's process for being awarded a blue badge.

I’ve lost my badge; how do I replace it?

Please report your badge as lost/stolen to the police, even if it has been lost at home. The police will supply a lost property/crime number. Please then telephone the blue badge team on 01225 713002 with the police report number. We will require an additional photograph and your contact details so that a duplicate badge can then be issued.

My blue badge has faded; what can I do?

If your badge has faded or become damaged, then return it to Wiltshire Council and a replacement will be sent to you. There is no charge for this re-issue.

Can I have two badges?

No. Department of Transport legislation allows only one badge to be issued per person for their personal use.

Can a visitor from overseas have a badge?

We cannot issue temporary blue badges. Blue badges are issued only to people who are unable to walkdue to a permanent and substantial disability. However, if a visitor has an equivalent badge from a similar scheme in his/her own country, i.e. a disabled parking scheme, then it is possible to ask the police to issue a permit to cover the period they are in this country. The police will need to see relevant documentation.

Can I use my badge abroad?

Most countries recognise the UK badge. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) has a blue badge website with more information. A leaflet is available giving details of European countries that use the scheme.

If you are travelling in the USA, call in at a police station to discuss the local disabled parking schemes and clarify the use of your badge.

In what vehicles can the badge be used?

The badge can be used in any vehicle in which the applicant is being transported. It is a criminal offence for non-disabled people to use a badge. If they do, they are liable to a fine of up to £1,000.

It is a criminal offence to drive a vehicle displaying a blue badge unless the badge holder is in the vehicle, or the vehicle is being driven by someone other than the badge holder for the purpose of entering or leaving an area to pick up or drop off the holder, when the area is accessible only to vehicles displaying a blue badge.

Can an organisation apply for badges?

Although badges are issued to individuals to allow for greater flexibility for transport arrangements, badges can be issued to certain organisations but only following a conversation with the blue badge team on 01225 713002.

Can you issue a badge without photos?

If it is difficult to get into a photo booth, a recent cut-down photograph taken at home is acceptable. We need to be able to 'cut' the applicant out of the photo to an approximate size of 2 inches square. Please contact the blue badge team on 01225 713002 if you have a difficulty in supplying a photo.

My child needs a badge; do I fill in my child’s details or mine?

The application should be made in the name of the person who needs the blue badge. The child is, in this case, the ‘applicant’ and his or her photograph and details are required.

I am registered partially sighted; do I automatically qualify?

No. Only a person who is registered as blind under the National Assistance Act 1948 automatically qualifies for a blue badge.

Does a higher rate attendance allowance give entitlement?

No. You are automatically entitled to a blue badge only if you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance.

Do you want original documents or copies?

Send photocopies only as proof of receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance, not original documents. If you don’t have a copy of documentation, or require any information concerning your allowance, you can call the Department of Work and Pensions on 0845 712 3456.

I receive a War Pension; will this make the badge automatic?

Only the War Pensioners' mobility supplement gives automatic entitlement to a badge. Supply a copy of the letter confirming your supplement with your application.

A badge holder died recently; what should I do with the badge?

Return the blue badge to the blue badge team at Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8JN. A letter is not necessary, but we do need to know the date of death so that we canamend our records. You may keep the photograph if you wish. Please cut the badge in half before returning it to Wiltshire Council.

I need a disabled parking bay outside my house; how do I get one?

For further information please contact an adult social care customer advisor on 0300 456 0111.

Advice for disabled people from abroad

The blue badge introduced a standard design of disabled persons' parking card across all European Union (EU) member states. This enables disabled visitors from within the EU to enjoy the parking concessionsprovided in the UK by displaying the badge issued under their own national scheme.

For visitors from countries outside the EU where no formal arrangements currently exist, UK parking enforcement officials may be prepared to recognise your disabled motorists' badges, although that will be entirely at their own discretion. We suggest that you bring your badge with you and check with the local parking authority in the areas you intend to visit.

Last updated: 11 April 2011