- The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of parking concessions
for people throughout the UK with severe mobility problems who
have difficulty using public transport.
- The concessions apply to on-street parking and include free use
of pay-and-display bays.
- Badge holders may also be exempt from limits on parking times
imposed on others and can park for up to three hours on single and
double yellow lines, as long as they are not causing an obstruction
and the badge and time clock are displayed. (except where
there is a ban on loading or unloading or other restrictions).
- Charges apply in ALL car parks in
Bath. You must consult the tariff boards after parking but
before leaving the car park.
Do you qualify?
You are automatically eligible to apply for a badge if
you are over two years old and either:
- Receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the
Disability Living Allowance.
- Are registered severely sight impaired (blind).
- Receive a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.
Subject to assessment you may also be eligible for a
badge if you are over two years old and either:
- Have a permanent and sustainable disability which means you
cannot walk, or which makes walking very difficult.
- If you drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe
disability in both arms, and unable to operate all or some
types of parking meter (or would find it very difficult to operate
them)
If you are a parent of a child who is less than two
years old, you may apply for a badge for your child if they have a
specific medical condition which means that they
either:
- Must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which
cannot be carried around without great difficulty .
- Need to be kept near a vehicle at all times, so that they can,
if necessary, be treated in the vehicle, or quickly driven to a
place where they can be treated, such as a
hospital.
How to apply for a Blue Badge
Note. In order to complete your application you may need the
following
- Your National Insurance (NI) number – This number consists of 2
letters 6 numbers then a single letter and is issued to everyone
over the age of 16 by the Department of Works and Pensions.. You
will find this number on all correspondence that you may have
received regarding Benefits or Pensions.
- Contact details for your GP and any other health professional
that you have seen in connection with your illness/disability.
- Details of your old Blue Badge (if applicable).
- A recent photograph similar to those obtained from a photograph
booth
- Copies of a recent utility bill or similar document
- Copies of a passport or driving licence etc to prove your
identity
Please note that due to the requirement for a signature
and photograph to be incorporated within the badge you are unable
to apply online. A specimen application form, including
guidance notes, can be found in the related documents area in the
top right of the page.
Further Advice and Information
Where Can I Park with My Badge?
- Advisory Disabled Bays
- Bath and Keynsham Controlled Parking Zones
- On-Street Designated Disabled Parking Bays
- Some Yellow Line Waiting Restrictions
Advisory Disabled Bays
- These are found primarily in residential areas and there is no
limit on the length of stay; unfortunately, as the title suggests
these bays are advisory only.
- The Council are unable to take enforcement action against
inconsiderate parking by non badge holders.
Bath and Keynsham Controlled Parking Zones
- Blue Badge Holders may park in the same controlled parking
zones as resident and business permit holders.
- The badge must be clearly displayed at all times during the
restricted hours.
- The restricted times are usually Mon- Sat 8am to 6pm,
zone entry signs at all vehicle entry points to a zone will
indicate the times and days that the restrictions
apply.
On-Street Designated Disabled Parking Bays
- These are primarily found in town centres and will have a
sign to show that the bay is restricted for use by badge
holders only.
- Enforcement action is taken against non badge holders or if the
badge is not clearly displayed.
Off -Street Parking - Car Parks
- With the exception of the bays at the entrance to
Charlotte Street car park parking charges now apply to
blue badge holders in ALL Pay & Display and
Pay on Foot car parks in Bath only with the
exception of the Sports & Leisure Centre Car park in North
Parade.
- The tariff boards in each car park indicate the charges that
apply.
Yellow Line Waiting Restrictions
- Parking on double and single yellow lines is permitted for a
period up to three hours providing you clearly display a
valid blue badge and set the time clock.
- You are not allowed to park on yellow lines when loading
restrictions are in force or where you would cause an obstruction
such as parking in front of a dropped kerb. Loading
restrictions are indicated by yellow line markings along the
kerb.
- The badge does not entitle you to park anywhere. The blue badge
scheme booklet gives full details on where you can and cannot park.
You must observe highway restriction and ensure that
you do not park where your vehicle is likely to cause an
obstruction.
- Failure to display the badge and or the time clock or
contravene highway restrictions may result in a penalty charge
notice (parking fine) being issued which will be
enforced.
More information on the Blue Badge Scheme can be
found at the Department for Transport’s
website. Department For Transport
An Advisory leaflet entitled ‘Can I get a Blue
Badge?’ is available from the Department for Transport by
e-mailing dft@twoten.press.net
– please quote reference T/INF/1233
