Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue (formerly Orange) Badge Scheme provides a national arrangement of on-street parking concessions enabling people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers to park close to their destinations. The Scheme also applies to registered blind people, people with severe upper limb disabilities in both arms who regularly drive a vehicle and children under two with specific medical conditions.

The Scheme is administered by local authorities who deal with applications and issue badges. We have produced two explanatory booklets, one for people wishing to apply for a badge (Can I Get A Blue Badge) and one for people who have been issued with the badge (The Blue Badge Scheme : Rights and Responsibilities). These two leaflets are available online.

You can contact the Blue Badge Helpline on either 0207 944 2914 or 0161 367 0009. Or by email at blue.badge@dft.gsi.gov.uk.

What are we doing to reform the scheme

Information on reforming the Blue Badge Scheme.

Last update: 20 October 2008

What we have done

Information on progress with the Blue Badge Scheme.

Research

Information on Blue Badge Scheme research.

Publications and other resources

This page lists all our Blue Badge publications and fact sheets together with links to any related literature and other resources that may be of interest.

Background information

Background information on Blue Badge Scheme.

Published:

22 August 2005

Last update:

24 January 2008

Blue Badge Statistics

The Department undertakes an annual survey of the number of blue badges issued in England. The survey covers local authorities, including unitary authorities, shire counties, London boroughs and metropolitan districts. Copies of the report are available from the Mobility and Inclusion Unit.

The Blue Badge Scheme: frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the Blue Badge Scheme.

Published:

25 May 2004

Last update:

21 April 2008

Legislation

The Blue Badge Scheme came into operation on 1 December 1971 under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Person' Act 1970. List of current governing and historical legislation.

Information for local authorities

Information for local authorities about changes to the Blue Badge (disabled persons' parking) Scheme.

Useful contacts

Useful contacts relating to the Blue Badge Scheme.

Published:

15 December 2005

Last update:

16 October 2008