The Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme allows disabled drivers and those who drive a disabled person enhanced parking opportunitities.
These are operated through local authorities and as I am in Devon and entered my postcode into the GOV.UK website for the scheme. This took me to the “My Devon ” where the following information could be found.
The Blue Badge Scheme allows severely disabled people to park close to their destination. The Blue Badge holder can be the driver or a passenger.
- The Blue Badge scheme only applies to on-street parking.
- Badge holders have free use of parking meters and pay-and-display bays.
- Badge holders may also be exempt from limits on parking times – check local signs for information.
- Badge holders can park for up to three hours on yellow lines, except where there is a ban on loading or unloading or other restrictions.
The Department of Transport has detailed information about the Blue Badge scheme, how it works in England, and users’ rights and responsibilities.
Who can Qualify for A Blue Badge ?
A person is automatically eligible to apply for a badge if they are over two years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Receives the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance;
- Is registered blind;
- Receives a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge include,those unable to walk at all or have a physical disability making them unable to walk very far without experiencing severe discomfort or the physical effort needed to walk could damage someones’ health. People with a behavioural or psychological disorder will not normally qualify unless their impairment causes very considerable difficulty in walking all the time. Your local authority will probably ask for you to be assessed by a medical professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
If you think someone you care for would benefit from a Blue Badge please click here.
