Applying for and using a Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. It allows Blue Badge holders to park close to to their destination. The national concessions apply to on-street parking and in Bromley Borough only, car parks too.  Conditions of use must be adhered to.

Who can apply

Under the current regulations badges may be issued to you if you:

  • receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance;
  • receive a War Pensioners` Mobility Supplement;
  • use a motor vehicle supplied for disabled people by a Government Health Department;
  • are registered blind;
  • have a severe disability in both upper limbs and regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand, even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob;
  • have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty in walking. In this case you may be asked to answer a series of questions to help the local authority determine whether you are eligible for a badge. People with a psychological disorder will not normally qualify unless their impairment causes very considerable, and constant, not intermittent, difficulty in walking;
  • are an organisation caring for disabled people who meet one or more of the above criteria.

We decide whether you are eligible to join the scheme using criteria issued by the Department of Transport.

Using your Blue Badge

Blue badge holders must be present on the journey and the following dispensations will apply:

  1. Parking on a yellow line (single or double) for up to three hours (except where a loading ban is in force). The time clock must be set and displayed on such occasions.
  2. Parking at on-street paying bays and Council operated car parks free of charge.
  3. Valid disabled badges must be displayed on the dashboard or windscreen of the vehicle and the expiry date of the badge must be visible.

Blue badge holders must NOT park under the following circumstances:

  1. Where the vehicle will cause an obstruction to traffic or pedestrians.
  2. Where there is a loading ban, during the times the ban is in force. A loading ban is shown by one or more yellow kerb markings with a plate saying when the ban applies. If you can't see a plate assume the ban applies 'at any time'.
  3. On school entrance zigzags during prohibited hours and on white zigzag safety markings.
  4. On the pavement (even with one wheel) unless there are signs indicating that it is permitted.
  5. On suspended meter bays, bus stops and places reserved for specific users, such as residents' bays or loading bays.

Changes to Blue Badge Design

In line with recent changes in Department for Transport legislation, from 1st January 2012 new design Blue Badges will be issued by all local authorities nationwide. Badges will be produced by an external company selected by the Department for Transport. This company will produce badges on behalf of all local authorities. These will be of a rigid plastic design (PVC), and will include several new security features which will make badges harder to copy, forge and alter. They will also be resistant to fading and more resistant to damage. The new design badges will incorporate a digital photograph of the badge holder on the reverse of the badge. Please note that badges of the previous laminated card design will continue to be valid until their marked expiry date.

Costs

A fee of £10 is required for issuing the badge.

How to apply

You can apply for a blue badge online through Directgov 

You can download the Blue Badge application form and applicant's notes, including details about the discretionary eligibility and review process.

Please read the notes carefully before completing the application form.  You should allow up to 10 weeks for your application to be processed.