The Blue Badge application process has changed, and from January 2012 you can apply for a new blue badge, or renew an old one, by contacting the customer service centre or by telephoning (01482) 393939. This is the starting point of the application process.
To apply for a blue badge, you will need to provide:
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Proof of address, (one of the following) i.e.
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Proof of identity, (one of the following) i.e.
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Proof of condition, in line with the blue badge eligibility criteria (Please see Eligibility Criteria for Blue Badges).
There is a £10 fee for a blue badge, payable once your application has been approved. This can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit card, at any customer service centre. Please note payment facilities will close half an hour before the customer service centre closing times.
Find your nearest customer service centre.
Please note that your application cannot be processed if you do not bring your supporting documents with you.
If you are not automatically eligible (see criteria below) for a blue badge you will be assessed at a later date as part of the application process. Mobility assessments are carried out by our Occupational Therapy Department.
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You can apply for a blue badge if you meet the following criteria:
1. You are a carer for a child under 2 years of age and need to transport bulky medical equipment, or be near a vehicle for emergency treatment.
2. You, or the person you are applying for is over 2 years of age and one or more of the following:
- is in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance
- is receiving a war pensioners supplement
- is receiving a grant towards a vehicle
- is registered blind
- has a disability in both arms, making it difficult or impossible to operate a parking meter
- has a permanent and substantial disability which causes an inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
More information on the criteria for who can receive a blue badge can be found on the Department for Transport website.
Department for Transport - blue badge information (external website)
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If you have a blue badge displayed, you are entitled to park in the following areas:
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disabled spaces in any council run car parks
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disabled spaces on the street
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metered or pay and display on street parking, for free, for as long as you require
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on single and double yellow lines, for up to three hours (ensuring it is safe to do so, and no other restrictions apply)
Off street car parks, for example, at supermarkets and hospitals, are not operated by the council. You will need to check whether you can park free of charge using your blue badge.
For a full list and details please refer to the following Department for Transport leaflet:
Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities (external pdf 2mb opens in new window)
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The process for renewing a blue badge is the same as the process for new applications – see ‘how do I apply for a blue badge?’.
It is the responsibility of the badge holder to ensure that they renew their badge in a timely manner, as it approaches the expiry date. We recommend that you apply for a renewal 12-14 weeks prior to the date of expiry.
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