Blue badge scheme

Introduction

A blue badge enables people with a seriously impaired ability to walk, or those registered severely visually impaired, either as a passenger or driver, to park close to their destination.

With certain restrictions, a blue badge enables the holder to park:

  • Free of charge at a parking meter or pay-and-display bays
  • Without a time limit at places where others are time-limited
  • For up to three hours on single or double yellow lines (except where there is a ban on loading or unloading or other restrictions).

Badge holders are not permitted to park in a way that might cause an obstruction or danger to other road users.

Some central London boroughs have further restrictions on where blue badge holders can park. Details can be obtained from these boroughs (including Camden, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea).

Blue badges are issued for three years unless your condition is not permanent or if your benefit entitlement is valid for less than three years at the time of applying. All badge applications are reassessed after three years, and holders will need to make a new application for a badge at this time.

For more information about blue badges, including how to use the badge, where you can park and using your badge abroad go to GOV.UK.