The Blue Badge Scheme - Parking Badges for Disabled People

This page contains guidance on how to apply for a Blue Badge in Worcestershire. Please read the information below carefully as it explains who can apply for a badge and how it should be used.

If you wish to proceed and apply for a Blue Badge, you can print off the application form  (62.78 KB) (also available in large text format  (84.95 KB)), along with the guidance notes  (65.50 KB), fill it in and take it to your local Worcestershire Hub Customer Service Centre.  If you are an Organisation wishing to apply for a Blue Badge on behalf of the customers that you will be transporting, you will need to complete the Organisational application form  (38.17 KB), along with the guidance notes.

Please read this information carehully. It provides information on how to complete the form, gives details about who can apply for a parking badge and sets out the standard of service you should receive.  

• View the letter sent out to GP practices  (38.07 KB)
• Blue Badge Scheme FAQ's
• Code of Data Matching Practice

Who to Contact

If, having read this information, you have an enquiry in relation to this scheme, please contact your local Customer Service Centre:

All Customer Service Centres will also be pleased to help you complete applications forms if you would prefer.

The District Council have the responsibility to decide if you are eligible to be issued with a badge. There is no right of appeal, but if you are dissatisfied with the manner in which your application has been handled please put your complaint in writing to the centre you received your badge.

ELIGIBILITY

We are required to view each application, including those from the current badge holders as a first enquiry.

Automatic Qualification

If you supply evidence that you meet the one of the following criteria you will be automatically eligible for a Blue Badge.

• If you are registered blind.
• If you are receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance.
• If you receive a War Pensioner’s mobility supplement.
• If your vehicle is funded by the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) via the Motability Scheme.

Individuals that are applying under the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance of the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement who have been awarded the Allowance for less than three years will receive a badge for the period for which the Allowance has been awarded.

Discretionary Qualification

You may also qualify for a Blue Badge if you meet all of the following criteria: -

• If your disability is permanent.
• If your disability is substantial and means your are unable to walk or you experience very considerable difficulty in walking.

or

• If you drive a 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.

For children under two years of age:

• If the child has a condition that requires that they must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without great difficulty;

And / or

• If the child has a condition that requires that they must always be kept near a motor vehicle so that they can, if necessary, be treated for that condition in the vehicle or be taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where they can be treated.

You will not qualify if: -

• You do not meet the above criteria.
• You have a temporary disability, such as, a broken leg or awaiting a hip replacement etc.
• You experience a psychological disorder that does not cause you severe discomfort.
• You only experience walking problems when carrying objects, such as shopping.
• Your condition does not continuously severely limit your ability to walk.
  For example, some people have days when they are able to walk better than others.

HELP US TO HELP YOU

In order for us to process your application quickly you must: -

• Provide evidence of eligibility if applying under the automatic criteria.
• Provide supporting evidence if applying under the discretionary criteria.
•  PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST EVIDENCE FROM YOUR GP. IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS SUPPLYING WRITTEN EVIDENCE PLEASE VISIT
  YOUR LOCAL CENTRE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
• Complete the form carefully, giving all the details requested.
• Sign and date the declaration.
• Enclose a cheque/postal order for £2 or £2 cash made payable to the
  District/Borough Council you are applying to.
• Enclose two recent passport type photographs and sign both of them on the back. If necessary photographs can be taken in the Customer Centre for £2.00.

Please note – your payment and photographs will NOT be returned to you if your application is unsuccessful.

Renewal Applications:

A Blue Badge is issued every three years except in the case of children under the age of two or if your allowance has been awarded for a period of less than 3 years. It is your responsibility to contact the Customer Centre should you wish to reapply. A reminder will not be sent.

You must ensure that you re-apply to your local Customer Centre, prior to the expiry date of your current badge. Provided you still meet the eligibility criteria, your new badge will be issued to you.

Once expired, the old badge should be returned to the Customer Centre who issued the badge.

Lost Badges should be treated as a new application.

Use of Badges:

• You are responsible for ensuring that you use your badge correctly
• The badge belongs to the person in whose name it is issued.
• The badge must only be displayed in an empty, stationary vehicle.

You cannot use your Blue Badge everywhere.

• The scheme does not automatically apply in off street car parks, although many provide designated spaces, and may not apply in certain town centres, where access is limited.
• You must not park during the period a ban on loading or unloading is in force, and should look out for yellow stripes on the kerb and refer to the information plates nearby.
• You must not park where it could be obstructive or cause a danger for others.
• You must observe the time limit of three hours parking.
• You must not allow others to use your badge.

Abuse of a Blue Badge could result in it being withdrawn. In addition, it is a criminal offence for a non-disabled person to use a disabled persons car badge. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are aware of the regulations and use your badge correctly.

RETURN OF BADGES

Parking Badges for the Disabled are non-transferrable and must be returned to the District Customer Centre if they are no longer required

Click here for Blue Badge Scheme FAQ's

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Get in touch with our Contact Centre:
Call: 0845 607 2000  or  Email: socialcare@worcestershire.gov.uk
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