This is a national scheme for parking concessions for disabled people over 2 years old, who travel either as car drivers or passengers. Parking badge holders are able to use the parking spaces set aside for disabled people, and park in paid parking zones for longer periods of time. Gateway to Care run the scheme locally on behalf of the Department of Transport following the rules set out by the government. The parking badge and a time clock must be displayed on the dashboard of the car while it is parked. Your permit is valid for a maximum of three years.

You can get a blue badge, if:

• you are registered blind
• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
• you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking because of a permanent and substantial disability
• you have a severe disability in both upper arms which means you would not be able to turn the steering wheel of a car, even if it was fitted with a turning knob. You must also be the driver of the car
• you are under two and due to a specific medical condition need to travel with bulky medical equipment or a need to be close to a vehicle for emergency treatment.

Visit any public reception to complete your application or telephone 01484 223000. You can also email your request to us using the Gateway to Care enquiry form.

You will need to complete a replacement badge form at any Gateway to Care. A further passport sized photograph, and £2.00 fee will be required.