Almost one in five people in the UK are affected by disability. And in 2017 more than a million of those people were drivers.
With so many cars on the road, finding a parking space can be a real challenge. But if you are affected by disability not being able to park near your destination can be a major problem.
Thankfully disabled parking spaces are available that are always placed to be in the most accessible spots. This allows disabled drivers to park close to amenities, providing that they have a blue badge permit for disabled parking.
Read on to find out more about how to apply for your own blue badge.
Am I Eligible for a Blue Badge Permit for Disabled Parking?
There are certain criteria that you have to meet in order to be eligible to apply for a blue badge permit. You are able to apply if you:
- Hold a CVI or BD8 form signed by a consultant ophthalmologist stating that you are legally blind.
- Receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance.
- Receive a Personal Independence Payment for being unable to walk further than 50 metres.
- Receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Receive a tariff within 1-8 (inclusive) of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
If you don’t fit any of these criteria you may still be able to apply, but will likely need to be assessed by your local authority. You should contact them if any of the following apply to you:
- You have a permanent disability which means you are unable to walk
- You have a permanent disability which makes walking very difficult
- You drive regularly and have a severe disability in both arms
- You have a child under three who requires bulky medical equipment
- You have a child under three with a medical condition that requires they always stay near a vehicle
In many of these cases, you may be asked to take a mobility assessment.
How Do I Apply?
If you are based in England or Wales, you can apply for a blue badge on the UK government website. If you are based in Scotland or in Northern Ireland, you will need to use their dedicated websites.
If you want to apply for or renew your blue badge permit, you will need to have the following:
- Details of your current blue badge if you are renewing
- A digital photo less than 5MB in size
- Your National Insurance number
- Proof of identity
- Proof of UK residency
Once you have completed your online application you can track its process via the website. If you are deemed ineligible, you are within your rights to appeal or to reapply if your condition worsens.
If you have been successful you should receive your disabled parking blue badge in around 4 to 6 weeks.
What Next?
Once you’ve received your blue badge permit for disabled parking, you’re going to need a vehicle to put it in.
If you are looking for a car for yourself or someone you know then take a look at our range of wheelchair accessible vehicles. We also have a great selection of used motability vehicles.
If you’d like to know more about the vehicles we offer or have any other questions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
No Comments