Millions at Risk of Losing Blue Badges

Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, arrives at Downing Street.

The Transport Secretary says some people should not have Blue Badges. Heidi Alexander said some people get Blue Badges from councils but should not have them.

In 2019, rules changed to let councils give Blue Badges to people with hidden disabilities like ADHD and anxiety. The number of badges for hidden disabilities increased from 18,000 in 2021 to 55,000 last year.

People with disabilities now struggle to find parking spaces because many drivers have Blue Badges. Heidi Alexander said a diagnosis of ADHD alone should not get you a Blue Badge. Each application is assessed on its own merits.

The badges give access to specific parking spaces.

Heidi Alexander said local authorities can investigate and take action against abuse.

Blue Badges let you park in special spaces and override some parking restrictions. They also exempt you from congestion zone charges and road tolls.

About three million people have a Blue Badge, with over a million issued last year. The Blue Badge scheme helps people with mobility issues, disabilities, or health conditions park closer to their destinations.

The badge lets you park for free in designated bays and on yellow lines for up to three hours. The badge is for the person, not the vehicle, so you can use it whether driving or as a passenger.

Drivers say they are having trouble finding parking spaces.

There are two main categories for eligibility: automatic and assessment. You qualify automatically if you are severely sight impaired, receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, or have a permanent disability from the Armed Forces.

You also qualify automatically if you receive certain benefits, like the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment with 8 points or more.

If you don't fit the automatic criteria, you can still qualify if you have a long-term disability. This includes people who cannot walk or have severe pain, breathlessness, or take a long time to walk.

Heidi Alexander is the Transport Secretary.

Drivers with severe disabilities in both arms and parents of children under three who need medical equipment are also eligible.

You can apply or renew online through the GOV.UK website or use a paper form. You need to gather documents like your National Insurance number, passport, and proof of address.

If you apply via assessment, you need medical evidence and may need to attend an independent mobility assessment. Your local council will review your application and documents.

There is a small fee for the badge, and the assessment process takes up to 12 weeks. If approved, your Blue Badge is usually issued for three years.

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