Disabled parking
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If you can’t walk very far to or from your car, you might be eligible for a blue car badge.
Whether you are a driver or a passenger, you can use your badge to park closer to your destination, and in restricted parking areas. The badge is valid for three years, after which it needs to be reviewed. We will write to you around six weeks before your badge is about to expire to remind you to re-apply.
Blue car badges are part of a nationally recognised disabled parking scheme. You can find out more from the Department for Transport website – access for disabled people.
What does it do?
Blue badge parking privileges only apply when the registered badge holder is using the vehicle displaying the badge and needs to leave the vehicle. The main privileges are:
- free parking at meters for an indefinite period (in some circumstances only),
- parking for an indefinite period where time limits normally apply, and
- parking on yellow lines (in some circumstances only).
Full details are sent when the badge is issued.
Who is it for?
You can apply for a badge if you get benefits such as:
- the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance,
- a War Pensioners’ mobility supplement, or
- use of a car supplied for disabled people by a Government Health Department.
You are also eligible for the badge if you are:
- registered blind,
- have a severe disability in both upper limbs, or
- a permanent and substantial disability which means you have severe difficulty in walking.
Special rules for children under two
A parent of a child who is less than two years old may apply for a badge for if their child has a specific medical condition which means they:
- must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around without great difficulty, or
- need to be kept near a vehicle at all times so that they can be treated in the vehicle, or quickly driven to a place for treatment.
A list of bulky equipment can be found on the Department of Transport website, and includes such things as ventilators, suction machines, feed pumps and oxygen administration as well as monitoring equipment.
Please note: blue badges cannot be issued on a temporary basis or for people with behavioural disabilities.
How much will it cost?
You must pay a non-refundable administration charge of £2 with your application. This can be paid by cheque or postal order, but please do not send cash.
How can I apply?
Local authorities deal with blue badge applications. Please complete our online application form (only if you live in East Sussex).
I have been refused a blue car badge, can I appeal?
If your application has been refused and you feel that your mobility problems have become more serious or not all the relevant facts were taken into consideration, then you may appeal against the decision and we will reconsider your application.
For more information on how to appeal, please download our appeals process information leaflet.
Disabled parking bays
Find out if you are eligible for a disabled parking bay and how you can apply for one on our disabled parking bays page
