Despite more than one in 22 people already having a Blue Badge, many motorists are unaware of some of the conditions that could entitle them to one in order to make travel more convenient.
A Blue Badge allows drivers to take advantage of disabled parking spaces, which are typically wider and closer to their destination than regular spots in the car park.
They are typically given to applicants who are unable to walk or need assistance to prevent pain, exhaustion or illness.
However, it is also possible for motorists to apply if they have a severe disability in both of their arms and find it challenging to use pay-and-display machines typically found in public car parks.
Similarly, Blue Badges are also typically granted to those whose mobility puts themselves and other road users at risk when in a public space featuring vehicles.
Whilst the Department for Transport typically only grants Blue Badges to those over the age of three years old, it is possible for parents and carers to apply for their baby or toddler in some circumstances.
This includes anyone under the age of three with a medical condition which requires the constant use of bulky medical equipment, which could be difficult to get in and out of the vehicle in a tight space.
In addition, babies and toddlers that have a condition that requires them to always be close to a vehicle to receive treatment can also apply for a badge.
However, motorists and regular passengers can also apply for a Blue Badge if they suffer from issues with their mental health.
For example, those who find it challenging to control their actions in public spaces can apply, which can prevent having to walk past other vehicles in the car park.
It is also possible for someone who frequently becomes fearful or overwhelmed in public spaces to apply for a Blue Badge.
To apply for a Blue Badge, drivers or passengers will need to provide information about themselves, such as their full name, address and contact details, along with a recent image of themself.
They will also need to provide a copy of some photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or birth certificate, and proof of their address, such as a recent letter from a Government department.
The application process can take local councils up to 12 weeks to complete, but can be reconsidered if the applicant believes the authority did not take all of their information into consideration.
People who automatically get a Blue Badge
You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged three or over and at least one of the following applies:
- you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of eight points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
- you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
- you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
- you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress
People who may get a Blue Badge
You may 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 three 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 three 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