Please watch the short video below for a brief introduction to accessible parking within the Bath and North East Somerset Council area.

Applying for a Blue Badge

You can apply for a Blue Badge by using the online application.  Please note that the renewal process is the same as applying for a new blue badge. Please allow for 6-12 weeks to allow for the complete process. It’s essential that an existing badge holder re-applies for their badge well in advance of its expiry due to the length of time required to assess and complete the application process.

Applying for a Blue Badge is free of charge, but if your application is successful you will be required to pay £10 to cover the cost of the badge itself.

Some companies have begun offering to apply for a Blue Badge on a customer's behalf and are charging a large fee for this. We advise all customers to contact us directly if they have any questions about an application or require any assistance before paying for any services of this type.

To qualify for a Blue Badge you will need to meet a number of criteria which is set out in the Depart for Transport Blue Badge Scheme Local Authority Guidance (England). In order to assess eligibility for a badge you may be asked to attend a health clinic for a mobility assessment.

Read the national guidance for more information.

* We recommend you visit an Information and Advice Service outside of the lunchtime period if possible.  Please note we may not be able to provide a full application service if any of your documentation is missing.  Please see the Required Documentation for a Blue Badge Application for a list of all the documentation you may need to provide and please remember to provide your Blue Badge reference number if this has been issued already.

If you have any questions about completing a Blue Badge application, please call 01225 477133.

If you require help completing the application form and need to visit one of our Information and Advice Services, you will need to book an appointment. To book an appointment for an assisted application, please call 01225 477000.

Update on changes to the Blue Badge scheme for people with hidden disabilities

Following a public consultation on Blue Badge eligibility, the Government is introducing changes to the current Blue Badge scheme to include new eligibility criteria around ‘Hidden Disabilities’ such as autism and mental health conditions.

The new Department for Transport Blue Badge Scheme Local Authority Guidance was issued to Local Authorities as of the 15th June 2019. The date given for the Guidance to come into effect is 30th August 2019.

If you believe that you may be eligible under the new ‘Hidden Disabilities’ criteria, please do not apply yet. Applications made before the 30th August will be assessed under the current guidance. Please note that we are not able to hold or defer applications.

How to Appeal an Unsuccessful Blue Badge Application

If your application is unsuccessful and you wish to appeal the decision please click here for more information on the appeals process. You can also re-apply if your mobility problems become more serious.

How to Use a Blue Badge

When using your Blue Badge please ensure that it is clearly displayed on your dashboard. Where there is a maximum stay then you will need to also display your clock, set at the time that you left your vehicle.

Your Blue Badge is for use when you are driving, being driven somewhere or being picked up. It is not for use by people visiting you or for people going out and doing jobs for you. 

Where You Can Use a Blue Badge

Free parking with no time limit:

  • On street parking in Pay and Display zones where time is restricted for non Blue Badge holders
  • Advisory disabled persons parking bays
  • Resident and business permitted parking zones
  • Charlotte Street car park - disabled persons bays located within the Charlotte Street entrance area only
  • Bath Park and Ride car parks

Free parking but time limited:

  • Single and double yellow lines where no loading ban applies (maximum stay of 3 hours)

Locations where parking charges apply:

  • All Bath city car parks, except those listed above

Please be aware that privately run car parks and parking zones will have their own policies on Blue Badge parking and may charge at the standard rate. Do not assume you can always park for free; check surrounding boards and signs for specific parking conditions before you leave your car.

What to do in the Case of a Lost or Stolen Badge

To get a replacement badge after a loss or theft, you will need to notify us in writing, via email or post.  

In the case of a stolen badge, you will need to:

  • report the theft to the Police, who will give you a crime reference number
  • tell us your crime reference number and briefly describe how you think your badge was stolen

Please note that there is a charge of £10 for a replacement Blue Badge, whatever the reason.

To get your replacement, please email us at:  blue_badge@bathnes.gov.uk

You can also write to us at:

Parking Services
Bath & North East Somerset Council
P.O. Box 5197
Bath BA1 0UF

Returning a Blue Badge

Badges can be returned at any of our offices, Information and Advice Services or posted to us at the above address.

A badge must be returned to us under the following circumstances:

  • the badge has expired;
  • your medical condition or mobility improves and you are no longer eligible;
  • a replacement badge has been issued (in the case of a lost/stolen badge) and the original is found/recovered;
  • the badge has become illegible;
  • the badge is no longer required;
  • the badge holder has passed away.

 

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