Blue badge parking scheme

The "blue badge" parking scheme provides a permit so that people who have mobility problems can park close to where they need to go.

Permit holders may:

Park free of charge in any council-run pay and display car park
Use on-street parking bays
Stay up to three hours on a yellow line (except where loading restrictions are in place - indicated by kerb marks)

Who qualifies for a "blue badge" parking permit?

People who qualify for a permit are usually have a "substantial and permanent" disability. There are criteria for automatic qualification and discretionary qualification.

Automatic qualification

Applicants qualify automatically for a "blue badge" parking permit if they are aged 3 or over and:

are in receipt of the high rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for help with getting around OR
are registered blind or are severely sight impaired, OR
are in receipt of War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, OR
are in receipt of a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability or considerable difficulty walking.

Discretionary qualification

Applicants who do not automatically qualify for a "blue badge" parking permit may still be eligible if they:

drive a vehicle regularly and have severe disability in both arms and are unable (or have difficulty) operating all or some types of parking meter OR
have a permanent or substantial disability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking, OR
are aged under 3 and, on account of a condition, must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without great difficulty, OR
are 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.

Additionally an organisational "blue badge" permit may be issued to an organisation using a motor vehicle or vehicles when the vehicle or vehicles are to be used to carry disabled people who would themselves be eligible for a badge. Organisations will be asked to provide evidence of their tax exemption certificate.

Applicants applying under discretionary qualification rules should contact us to undertake a questionnaire to determine their eligibility.

What proof of entitlement do I need to provide?

Applicants need to be able to provide proof of entitlement in the form of a benefit award letter, which must be of recent issue:

Applicants in receipt of the high rate of mobility component of Disability Living Allowance will have an award notice letter or annual uprating letter from the Pensions, Disability and Carers Service. These can be obtained via (08457) 123456.
Applicants who are registered blind or severely sight impaired will need a Certificate of Vision Impairment signed by a consultant ophthalmologist or the BD8 form.
Applicants who are in receipt of War Pensioners Mobility Supplement will have an award letter from the Service and Veterans Agency. This can be obtained via (0800) 169 22 77.
Applicants who are in receipt of a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability or considerable difficulty walking will need an award letter confirming they are in receipt of tariffs 1-8 under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme Order 2011. This can be obtained via (0800) 169 22 77.

In addition, all applicants need to be be able to provide proof of residency via an official document such as a council tax, demand, bank statement, utility bill or prescription.

How to apply for a "blue badge" parking permit

All applicants who wish to be considered (whether under the automatic or discretionary qualification criteria) should contact the Customer Services Centre on (01642) 528499.

Our staff will guide applicants through a questionnaire that has been developed in conjunction with our team of occupational therapists to determine eligibility.

Applicants who have received approval must visit the Stockton Customer Services Centre, taking with them proof of entitlement in the form of a benefit award letter, which must be of recent issue. Digital photos will be taken at the time of registration.

How much does a "blue badge" parking permit cost?

An administration fee of £10 per "blue badge" parking permit came into effect on 1 January 2012.

Lost or replacement badges will also incur this £10 administration fee. (Stolen badges will be replaced free of charge upon production of a crime number).

You can pay the administration fee in person at our customer service centres by using cash or a cheque or postal order made payable to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

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