The Blue Badge scheme grants special parking privileges to those who need them the most. However, there is sometimes some confusion around where owners are allowed to park, wondering, “where can I park with a Blue Badge?”. It should be noted, that there are some different rules regarding the use of a Blue Badge for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and other European countries.
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What To Do With A Blue Badge
Whenever parking in a place that requires a Blue Badge to be displayed, these rules should always be followed:
- You must place the Blue Badge and parking clock (England and Wales only) on your vehicle dashboard where they can be seen.
- The Blue Badge must be front side up. This is so people can read it from outside the vehicle. Failure to display your Blue Badge where it is visible, and right side up, may result in you may getting a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or Parking Charge Notice.
- You must make sure that your Blue Badge is legible. If it becomes damaged you should request a new one.
- Visually impaired people must always make sure that people who are helping them know the correct way to use and display their Blue Badge.
Where Can I Park With A Blue Badge – England & Wales
The Blue Badge rights and responsibilities are the same in England and Wales. Before leaving your vehicle, always check the local parking rules in the area you are wishing to park in:
- Yellow lines – You are allowed to park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours at a time. However, there must not be a ban on loading. You must use the parking clock. You have to wait at least 1 hour before after the previous parking period before returning to park the same vehicle in the same road on the same day. Your vehicle must also not be causing an obstruction. This does not include yellow lines in off-street car parks.
- On the street – You are allowed to park for free where there are parking meters, pay and display machines or special places for disabled people which are defined with the blue wheelchair symbol. Where free on-street parking is available for all motorists for a limited time, Blue Badge holders may park there for as long as they wish. However, check local signage for restrictions as if there is a time limit, you will need to display the parking clock as well.
- Off-street car parks – Car park operators should provide parking dedicated spaces for disabled people. However, it is at the discretion of the car park owner to decide whether badge holders can park free of charge. Always check the parking restrictions.
- Red Routes – You can park where you see the Blue Badge Parking sign, however, it depends on the day of the week and time of day. So consult the local signage for restrictions. These locations usually offer a maximum of three hours parking. You can also park where you see the ‘P‘ parking sign. However, this is only during the times dictated on the local signage. There is no restriction on the length of time you can park in these locations, as long as it’s between the permitted. You can stop on a single or double red line to pick up or set down a Blue Badge holder, however, the vehicle must move off as soon as possible. Always check the local signage as timings and restrictions varies across the red route network. If in doubt, check with Transport for London (TFL).
- Airports – Contact the airport in advance to check the parking restrictions and arrangements.
- Private roads – Permission from the owner must be obtained first before parking on a private road.
Where Can I Park With A Blue Badge – Scotland
The Blue Badge rights and responsibilities in Scotland are pretty much identical to England and Wales. The only main difference is that in Scotland there are no time restriction on parking for Blue Badge holders, however, localised restrictions may apply, so always check with local signage.
Where Can I Park With A Blue Badge – Northern Ireland
The Blue Badge rights and responsibilities in Northern Ireland are identical to Scotland. They share the same no time restriction on parking for Blue Badge holders, however, localised restrictions may apply, so always check with local signage.
Appeal Blue Badge PCN
If you receive a Parking Charge Notice from a Private Parking Company, you can check out our article on appealing these type of parking fines. If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), it states in The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions law that the registered keeper is responsible for payment of the charge. You could also be chased by an enforcement agent for the outstanding debt, if the charge is not paid in full
We also did an article on good excuses to use when appealing PCNs and Parking Charge Notices.
TLDR: Where Can I Park With A Blue Badge
- Place your Blue Badge and parking clock (England and Wales only) in a visible place on your vehicle dashboard;
- Your Blue Badge must be front side up;
- Your Blue Badge is legible;
- Visually impaired people must always make sure that people who are helping them know the correct way to use and display their Blue Badge;
- Blue Badge holders can park on single or double red and yellow lines, on and off-street parking areas, airport road networks and private road. All have their own restrictions that must be adhered to or you may be liable to receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or Parking Charge Notice;
- Scotland and Northern Ireland don’t require the parking clock to be displayed with Blue Badges, unless local restrictions dictate it.
Sources used to write this article:
- Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in European Countries
- Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in England
- Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in Wales
- Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in Scotland
- Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in Northern Ireland
- The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions