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Blue Badges

What is a Blue Badge?

The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems who find it difficult to use public transport. It allows Blue Badge holders to park close to where they need to go.

You can use the badge when you are driving or are a passenger in a car. Other people such as your friends or relatives can't use the badge unless you are travelling with them.

Do I qualify for a Blue Badge?

You will qualify if you meet one of the following criteria:

are receiving Disability Living Allowance (Higher Rate Mobility). From June 2013 this will replaced by Personal Independence payment (PIP)

Disability Living Allowance

Personal Independence Payment

are receiving a War Pension Mobility Supplement

War Pension Mobility Supplement

are a registered blind person
use a motor vehicle that is supplied by a government health department

You may also qualify if you:

have severe disability in both upper limbs
drive a motor vehicle regularly but cannot turn the steering wheel even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob
have a permanent and substantial disability which causes you to be unable to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.

Children

Children under the age of 3 may be eligible for a badge if:

because of their condition, they must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
because of their condition, they must always stay near a motor vehicle so they can be treated in the vehicle or taken to a place where they can be treated

Restrictions
You can used the badge throughout the UK, the European Union and some other European countries.

You can not use the Blue Badge for:

off street car parks
private road
most airports

You should always make sure to check parking restrictions.

How to apply for a Blue Badge

You can apply:

online through GOV.UK or
call into a Local Service Centre for help with completing the online application.

Supporting Information

You will need to provide a passport photograph and the means to pay the £10 fee (credit or debit card only)

Other documents that you may need include:

proof of address such as, a current council tax or utility bill, or bank statement
current photo identification such as, a passport or driving license
up to date supporting evidence such as, a letter of confirmation of Disability Living Allowance (Higher Rate Mobility) / PIP.
If you need an up to date copy of this letter telephone 08457 123 456.

Renewing your Blue Badge

If you are renewing your Blue Badge please make sure you apply at least four weeks before your badge expires. This will give us enough time to action your application and send your Blue Badge out to you by second class post. It is the blue badge holders responsibility to be aware of the expiry date of their badge.

What happens next?

Once we get your application, we will assess your eligibility and tell you the result. In some cases we may need to carry out a mobility assessment. If so, we will arrange for you to attend an appointment. We will charge you £10 if your application is successful.

Appealing or making a complaint about a blue badge decision

If you want to appeal or make a complaint about a decision not to give you a blue badge, you have the right to ask for an appeal within one month of us telling you of our decision

You will need to write to:

Transport and Concessionary Travel Team
112-118 The Grove
Stratford, E15 1NS

If you are not happy with the way we dealt with your complaint, write to the Customer Services Manager of the Local Service Centre of the centre where your application was dealt with. Outline your reasons for the complaint. The manager will investigate your complaint and tell you regarding the outcome.

If the Blue Badge is not right for you...
The Blue Badge may not be the right answer to your mobility issue. If so, you may wish to look into the following options:

Door to Door Scheme which comprises

London Taxicard Scheme - subsidised door-to-door transport for people who have serious mobility impairment and difficulty in using public transport.
Dial-a-ride - free door to door minibus scheme run by TfL for people with mobility problems

Freedom Pass - Free use of public transport for people with mobility problems.

Replacing Lost and Stolen Badges

If your Blue Badge is lost or stolen, you must get a police reference number before you can apply for a replacement. To apply for a replacement badge use the same process as if applying for a new badge.

Find out more from the section on How to Apply for a Blue Badge.

You should put the police reference number in your application. This is to make sure that your old badge is cancelled and help prevent misuse of it. We will charge £10 for all replacement badges.