More than three million people in England hold a Blue Badge, but many may not realise there are specific locations where parking is strictly prohibited, even with the permit. Failing to comply can result in a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge, police have warned.
According to the latest figures, as of 31 March 2025, 3.07 million people in England possessed a Blue Badge. The permit allows holders to park in disabled bays and, in some cases, on single or double yellow lines, but only if they display the badge correctly and the holder is present in the vehicle.
West Yorkshire Police has issued guidance outlining 12 places where Blue Badge holders can never park or must check before leaving their vehicle. These include bus stops during operating hours, areas where parking would cause an obstruction, and zones where the badge does not apply.
A key restriction concerns central London, where the Blue Badge scheme is not in force. This covers the City of London, the City of Westminster, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and part of the London Borough of Camden bounded by Euston Road, Upper Woburn Place, Tavistock Square, Woburn Place, Russell Square, Southampton Road, Theobalds Road and Clerkenwell Road.
In these areas, some concessions exist, such as reserved parking spaces for badge holders, but drivers must be cautious. The force emphasised that the list is a guide, not definitive, and urged holders to park thoughtfully to avoid obstructing traffic.
