What is the Blue Badge Scheme?
The Blue badge system is changing...
Government announced on the 14 February 2011 that a programme of changes would be coming to the Blue Badge scheme.
The plan has been implemented to crack down on abuse of the scheme and other changes will make Blue Badges more sustainable for the future.
The Blue Badge Scheme (formerly the Orange Badge Scheme) provides considerable parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel as either drivers or passengers.
The badge is issued solely for the use of the disabled person; however applications from the public will also be considered where difficulty in walking is intermittent.
What these changes will mean to you:
From the 1 February 2012 all Blue Badges will be chargeable. This means that if you have a Blue Badge which expires on or after the 1 February there will be a charge for your renewal. There will also be a charge for any new Badges issued from the 1 February. The charge for a new badge will be £10.
The application form has been issued to from the Department for Transport and has some additional fields that must be completed. They also need to see proof of identification and proof of address to be able to process the application.
You can complete this request form to request a full Blue Badge application form or you can complete a online application form at DirectGov.
Photographs supplied for the Blue Badge must be of passport standard.
The Blue Badge will now be printed from a central location and the appearance of the badge will differ from the badge currently in use. We hope that the change will not have any impact on the time taken to produce a badge.
Eligibility
- If you receive the higher rate of mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
- If you receive the mobility supplement to the War Pension.
- If you are registered blind under the National Assistance Act 1948.
- If you have permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty in walking.
Frequently asked questions about blue badges.