Blue Badge Parking Scheme

What is a Blue Badge?

The aim of the Blue Badge Scheme is to help disabled people with severe mobility restrictions to access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination, irrespective of whether they are travelling as a driver or a passenger. The scheme allows the blue badge holders to park, free of charge and without time limit at parking meters and in 'pay-and-display' on-street parking unless there is a restriction in force.  The blue badge normally lasts for three years.

Important changes to the Blue Badge Scheme

In February 2011, the government announced several important changes to the Blue Badge Scheme to make it more consistent nationally, fairer and with the aim of tackling misuse and fraud. These changes came into effect on 1 January 2012.

The changes announced, include:

• a new national database of blue badges
• the redesign of the blue badge making it harder to copy or forge
• changing the way in which mobility assessments are carried out from G.Ps to independent mobility assessors
• allowing Local Authorities to set their own fee of up to £10
• the introduction of an on line application process
• a single national contractor to produce and supply blue badges
• extending the scheme to cover armed forces service personnel and veterans and children under the age of three.

Who can apply for a blue badge?

You must be a Manchester resident. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a badge automatically, or subject to further assessment.

Some people qualify for a badge under the "automatic" criteria:

• anyone with proof that they are receiving the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance
• an individual with proof that they are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• those in receipt of a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
• Service personnel and veteran with proof that they are in receipt of a lump sum benefit under tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and certification of having a permanent and substantial mobility difficulty
• anyone over the age of three who suffers from a permanent and substantial disability and is unable to walk or can only do so with severe pain and discomfort
• anyone who has a severe disability in both arms,  drives regularly but finds it difficult to use a parking meter
• a child under the age of three with a specific medical condition requiring the child be near to, or travel with, heavy medical equipment

Some people may qualify "subject to further assessment":

• People over the age of 3 who suffer from a permanent and substantial disability and are unable to walk or can only do so with severe pain and discomfort.
• People who have a severe disability in both arms, drive regularly but find it difficult to use a parking meter.
• Children under three with a specific medical condition requiring them to be near, or travel with heavy medical equipment.

How can I apply for a blue badge? 

Applications must be submitted online at www.direct.gov.uk/bluebadge  

The same process applies for new applications and for replacement badges.

The online form will not allow you to upload documents - these must be sent to the Blue Badge Service using the contact details in the right hand panel.

After you have completed the form you will be given a confirmation page. This will tell you:

• Your Tracking Number - note this down exactly as it is written.
• What documents you need to send in by post to the Blue Badge Office (this is dependent upon the criterion you have applied under)

Could I get help in completing the online form?

Yes. There are various ways you can get help to complete your application online. 

Have the rules changed on eligibility? 

The rules on eligibility have not changed significantly.  Apart from a slight Rule change from children under the age of two to children under the age of three and severely disabled service personnel, the eligibility criteria are the same as before.

Will my G.P be involved in the assessment for a badge?

No. The assessment will be carried out by an independent mobility assessor, independently of your G.P.

Help and enquiries about the service

If you have any questions about the blue badge scheme, please contact the Blue Badge Team using the Contact details on this page.