Disabled parking - Blue Badge Scheme

Important changes to the Blue Badge Scheme

On the 15 October 2007, new legislation cames into force, which amended the eligibility criteria and period of issue for some applicants.

The changes will:

• Extend eligibility to children under the age of two who, due to a specific medical condition, need to travel with bulky medical equipment or be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment. These badges will expire on the day after the child’s second birthday after which a further renewal application can be made under the standard eligibility criteria.
• Extend the eligibility criterion for people with severe disabilities in both arms so that people who regularly drive a non-adapted vehicle but cannot operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating, all or some types of parking meter (for example, those with thalidomide-related disabilities) are eligible for a badge.
• Allow for badges to be issued for a period of less than three years to people who are awarded the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement for less than three years.

You can apply for a Blue Badge here.