Transport



Disabled persons' car badges

Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme allows people with mobility problems and registered blind people to park closer to their destination, for example, shops, restaurants and public buildings. Blue Badge holders do not need to be the driver of the vehicle to use the badge.

The Blue Badge is used only for on-street parking although some local authorities also waive charges in their car parks.

Eligibility  (updated October 2007)

You may be eligible for a badge if:

  1. you receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, except where the award is for a period of less than 12 months
  2. you are registered blind, not partially sighted
  3. you receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
  4. you drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe congenital disability in both arms, and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating, all or some types of parking meter
  5. you have a permanent and substantial disability, which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking

Considerations such as difficulty in carrying parcels/shopping are not taken into account and temporary conditions are still ineligible.

There is no upper age limit to eligibility.

Other recent changes to the Blue Badge Scheme

  • Children under two with specific medical conditions will now be eligible for a Blue Badge.  The badge will last for a maximum period two years ending on the day after the 2nd birthday.
  • There will also be changes to the design of the badge. This will not affect existing badge holders until the expiry of their current badge.
  • If you are applying under 1 above, your badge expiry date will coincide with the expiry of your benefits if this is less than three years. 

Regulations

  • You can display the badge on any vehicle (including taxis and hired cars) in which you are travelling.   
  • There is an administration charge of £2.00 for the issue of the badge and the badge lasts three years only (subject to the exceptions given above).
  • It is your responsibility to renew your badge and you should request an application form before the expiry date to ensure continuous cover. You must return the badge to us if you no longer need it because your circumstances have changed.
  • The badge will contain your photograph as a means of minimising abuse of the scheme. Misuse of the badge is an offence and can result in severe penalties, including the badge being withdrawn.

Applications 

If you think you may be entitled to a badge you should:

  1. Download the application form below or contact us on 01296 382902 for a form to be sent to you.
  2. Return to us with two passport sized photographs of yourself, with your name printed and signed on the back. Photographs will be returned to unsuccessful applicants.
  3. Attach any documents necessary as evidence (if you have answered yes to any question in section B).
  4. If you are applying under criteria given in part C further information to support your application is required from your doctor. Attach the Doctors Report form (DPCB/001) and Doctors Claim Form which your GP or Consultant needs to complete. Your doctor should not charge you for completing this form.
  5. Send to:

Blue Badge Administration
Buckinghamshire County Council
Social Care
County Hall
Aylesbury
Bucks HP20 1YU

Please do not include your payment with your application. If your application is successful you will be asked to submit a £2 fee before the badge is issued. When your badge is issued you will also be supplied with a leaflet giving you information on how to use the badge and the concessions that the scheme gives you.

Badges may take 4-6 weeks to process, providing you have supplied all the relevant paperwork. If further clarification is required we might contact your Doctor or Consultant before making a decision.

The scheme is managed by us on behalf of the Department for Transport.

For more information call 01296 382902 or email disabledcarbadges@buckscc.gov.uk

Downloadable files (download times based on a 56k modem)
File name Summary File size Download time File type
Application Form Blue Badge Application Form 88 k 12 secs pdf
Doctors Report DPCB/001 Part A (please print separately) 34 k 4 secs pdf
Doctors Claim Form Please print separately and attach to Doctors Report 45 k 6 secs pdf
Lost Form Blue Badge Lost Form 109 k 15 secs pdf

Other useful websites: