The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued an update on Blue Badge rules for people with parking requirements. A Blue Badge permits eligible holders to park closer to their destination, whether journeying as a driver or passenger. The badge applies exclusively to on-street parking, with off-street car parks – including those at shopping centres, hospitals or supermarkets – subject to different regulations.
Three-year validity and renewal process
Badges are generally valid for up to three years, depending on personal circumstances, although occasionally they may be granted for briefer periods. Holders must submit new applications before their badge lapses, with submissions advised at least 12 weeks before the expiry date.
Peter Swallow, Labour MP for Bracknell, questioned the DfT on whether it would “review the requirement for people with progressive health conditions to reapply for blue badges every three years.”
Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT, responded: “Under the Blue Badge legislation, a badge may only be issued with a validity period of up to three years. The three-year validity period helps ensure that photographs and personal details held by local authorities remain accurate and up to date.
“The Blue Badge Digital Service enables local authorities to mark cases as not requiring a further evidence review where there is no ongoing need for applicants to resubmit evidence of their eligibility. This option means that future applications can be processed more easily and with less administrative burden for many Blue Badge holders, including those with long-term and progressive conditions.”
Exceptions to the three-year rule
DfT guidance online states that “in accordance with the regulations that govern the scheme most badges must be issued for three years. However, certain exceptions apply” – and lists two. It states that “in the case of children under three, the badge should be issued for a maximum period ending on the day immediately following their third birthday.”
It further adds that “where entitlement for a Blue Badge is linked to an award of the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA), War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) the period of issue should be linked to the period of receipt of that allowance, where that period is less than three years.” The guidance notes that “in this specific context there is no minimum period of issue for a Blue Badge. For example, a badge can be issued for 9 or 12 months if this corresponds with the period of issue of HRMCDLA, WPMS or PIP.”
The guidance adds: “Where HRMCDLA, WPMS or PIP has been granted for a period longer than three years, the badge should only be issued for the standard three year period. At the point of a re-application, a badge should continue to be issued on a three yearly cycle provided that the applicant remains eligible.
“In no circumstances should a badge be issued under the 'subject to further assessment', which states that a person needs to have an 'enduring and substantial disability', to applicants with a temporary disability or for a period of less than 3 years.”
Criticism and costs
The three-year rule has faced scrutiny from various groups. One amputee recently raised concerns on a Facebook forum about the requirement to continually renew their Blue Badge – pointedly remarking that he had “no hope of growing back” his leg.
Both applications and renewals can be completed digitally through the GOV.UK platform. Local councils are expected to make a decision within 12 weeks of getting your application.
Charges differ according to local authority, typically reaching up to £10 across England and £20 throughout Scotland. Across Wales, Blue Badges are provided at no cost. Contact your local authority to establish the precise charge applicable in your locality.
Eligibility criteria include receiving the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you cannot walk more than 50 metres, being registered blind, getting a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, or receiving the mobility component of PIP with a score of 10 points for descriptor E under the 'planning and following journeys' activity. You may also qualify if you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that results in an inability to walk or causes very considerable difficulty in walking.
Official Government guidance also states you may be eligible if you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes; you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey; you have a life limiting illness meaning you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form; walking is dangerous to your health and safety; you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control; you cannot walk at all; you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids; you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others; or you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition requiring bulky medical equipment or constant access to a vehicle for emergency treatment. Further details are available on the dedicated Government web page.
