The UK Government has confirmed that local councils have the power to designate parking bays specifically for pensioners who do not receive mobility-related disability benefits, potentially allowing older people without a Blue Badge to use disabled parking spaces.
Minister Clarifies Local Authority Powers
In a written response to Labour MP Sojan Joseph, Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood stated: “Part IV of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 provides local authorities with powers to mark out bays for specific purposes, issue local parking permits, and use Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to reserve spaces for specific purposes.” He added that such schemes are voluntary and that the cost and nature of concessions are determined by each local authority.
The clarification follows calls for a mobility element to be added to pension age disability benefits, which would enable older people to access the Blue Badge and Motability schemes. Currently, pension age disability benefits do not include a mobility component, meaning many older people with walking difficulties cannot automatically qualify for a Blue Badge.
Blue Badge Eligibility and Automatic Qualification
Blue Badges allow holders to park free in disabled bays and may exempt them from other parking restrictions. There are more than 235,700 Blue Badge holders in Scotland, and approximately three million beneficiaries across England and Wales. People automatically qualify if they receive the higher rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or Child Disability Payment (CDP). Those registered as severely sight impaired or receiving War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement also qualify automatically.
In Scotland, additional automatic qualifications include scoring 8 points or more in the 'moving around' activity of PIP or ADP, or 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' activity. Children under 16 with a letter from their visual impairment care team also qualify.
Other Ways to Qualify
People who do not automatically qualify may still be eligible if they have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that prevents them from walking or makes them virtually unable to walk. Those who regularly drive and cannot use parking meters due to a severe disability in both arms, or who care for a child under three requiring medical treatment or bulky medical equipment, may also qualify. Individuals with a mental health condition that causes a lack of awareness of traffic danger can apply, but must contact their local council directly as online applications are not available for such cases.
Applicants may need a mobility assessment and a meeting with a healthcare professional. Processing times vary, typically around 10 working days but can take up to 12 weeks, depending on the local council.
Using the Blue Badge
Blue Badge holders can park free at on-street parking meters, in pay and display bays, in disabled parking spaces, and on single or double yellow lines where no loading restrictions apply. The badge is valid across the UK, but when used in England or Wales, a parking clock must be displayed to show arrival time. The badge can also be used in most other countries.
Applications are made online to the local council, requiring a recent digital photo, proof of identity (e.g., passport or driving licence), proof of address (e.g., Council Tax bill), and National Insurance number. Reapplicants need details of their current Blue Badge.
