Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme provides a national range of parking concessions for disabled people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme is designed to help severely disabled people to travel independently, as either a driver or passenger, by allowing them to park close to their destination.
Do I Qualify?
You are automatically eligible to apply for a Blue Badge if you are over three years old and either:
- Receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
- Are registered severely sight impaired (blind)
- Receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Receive a benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme
You may also be eligible for a badge if you are over three years old and either:
- Have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking. You will be asked to provide recent medical information to verify your level of disability.
- Drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms, and are unable to operate or have considerable difficulty in operating all or some types of parking meter.
In addition, children under the age of three may be eligible for a badge if they fall within either or both of the following descriptions:
- A child who, on account of a condition, must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without great difficulty.
- A child who, on account of a condition, must always be kept near a motor vehicle so that, if necessary, treatment for that condition can be given in the vehicle or the child can be taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where such treatment can be given.
Further information on the eligibility criteria is available from Can I Get a Blue Badge booklet produced by the Department for Transport:
Blue Badge - Can I Get One?
(PDF, 1024Kb)
How Do I Apply for a Blue Badge in Cumbria?
If you feel that you meet the above criteria, you can submit an application in a number of ways:
1. Apply Online
From 1st January 2012, you can complete an online application at www.direct.gov.uk
You will be asked a series of questions and then advised if you are likely to be eligible for a Blue Badge. If so, you will be guided through the application form. It will then be forwarded to Adult and Local Services to assess and process.
2. Apply by Post
You can download an application form and return to us by post:
What Do I Need to Supply to Support my Application?
Fully completed application form
Proof of your address such as Council Tax or Utility Bill dated within the last 12 months
Proof of your identity – a certified copy of one of the following:
Birth certificate / adoption certificate
Marriage / divorce certificate
Passport
Civil partnership / dissolution certificate
Valid driving licence
Two passport sized photographs, signed on the reverse
£2 fee – cheque or postal order made payable to Cumbria County Council. Please do not send cash.
If appropriate, proof of Disability Living Allowance (Higher Rate Mobility Component), War Pensioners Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Contact Details
All correspondence should be sent to:
Adult and Local Services
15 Portland Square
CARLISLE
Cumbria
CA1 1QQ
Tel: 01228 606060
E-mail: blue.badge@cumbria.gov.uk
Please note: only postal applications can be accepted.
How Do I Replace my Lost or Stolen Badge?
If you have lost your badge, or it has been stolen you must report it to the Police. You will be issued with a lost number / crime reference number. We are unable to issue a replacement badge without a lost number / crime reference number.
You can also use the form to request a replacement due to your existing badge being faded, spoiled or for name changes.
How Do I Apply for a Blue Badge for my Organisation?
Organisational blue badges may be issued to an organisation for use in vehicles that are used to carry disabled people who would themselves be eligible for a Blue Badge.
To be eligible for a Blue Badge, organisations will need to demonstrate:
The organisation cares for and transports disabled people who would themselves meet one or more of the eligibility criteria for an individual Blue Badge.
Has a clear need for an organisational badge rather than using the individual Blue Badges or people it is transporting.
How Do I Renew my Blue Badge?
In order to renew your Blue Badge, you will need to complete the application form. We advise that you complete this and send it to us four to six weeks before the expiry date.
As part of the badge renewal process, we may reassess your mobility unless you are automatically entitled to a Blue Badge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I have to re-apply for a Blue Badge, every three years?
The Department for Transport’s regulations state that the maximum period of issue for a Blue Badge is three years, thereafter badge holders must re-apply.
2. I don’t drive anymore, can I still be awarded a Blue Badge?
You don’t have to be a driver or a car owner to apply for or have a Blue Badge. The badge is issued to you as a person, and it can be used in any vehicle you travel in. However, you should keep the badge with you at all times, and not allow someone else to hold it on your behalf.
3. I’m running an errand for a Blue Badge holder, can I use their badge?
No, if you do not have your own valid Blue Badge you should not park in a disabled bay or use someone else’s badge – even if you are running an errand for them.
4. I have been referred for an Independent Medical Assessment – why?
In order to determine your eligibility for a Blue Badge, we may need to refer you for an independent medical assessment. We no longer use GPs as the guidance states that the mobility assessment needs to be undertaken by a professional who is independent of the applicant and of the treatment and care.
5. My application has been unsuccessful – can I appeal?
You can appeal and request a review of the decision, in writing, within 28 days. The review will be undertaken by a manager who was not previously involved in the original assessment.
6. Can I have a temporary Blue Badge?
No, there is no provision within the scheme to issue temporary badges (for example, broken leg). To qualify, the applicant must have a permanent and substantial disability.
7. Can I have two badges?
No, under the Department for Transport’s legislation only one badge can be issued per person. The badge can be used in any vehicle.
8. I receive Attendance Allowance – will I automatically qualify?
No, you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance. You may still qualify if you have a permanent and substantial disability that means you cannot walk, or have very considerable difficulty in walking.
9. I want to complain about abuse of a Blue Badge – is this possible?
Yes, it is important for us that we receive information of any alleged abuse of the scheme. We will investigate the matter and consider what action, if any, can be taken. If you suspect misuse of a badge, please contact us in writing and provide as much information as possible such as serial number and expiry date, details of the vehicle in which the badge is being displayed, the location of the vehicle and the alleged misuse.
10. Who can use my badge?
The named badge holder is the only person entitled to use the badge. The badge can be used in any vehicle provided that the badge holder is travelling (as a driver or passenger). Further details about the Rights and Responsibilities of the Scheme can be found on the Department of Transport's website:
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