The Blue Badge scheme is a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems. This helps access goods and services, by allowing parking closer to a destination. The scheme is open to eligible disabled people, irrespective of whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger. You can apply online at the Calderdale council website, where alternative application methods are also explained.
You may qualify automatically if you meet one of the following criteria:
- are in receipt of Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance; or
are registered blind; - receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement;
- have been both awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Also, certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or considerable difficulty in walking;
- are in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under the ‘Moving Around’ category. Also, have been awarded eight points or more and your condition is likely to last for 12 months.
Note: Documentary evidence is required.
You may also qualify if you:
- have a permanent and substantial disability that causes an inability to walk, or very considerable difficulty in walking;
- drive a motor vehicle regularly and have a severe disability in both arms. Also, are unable to operate all or some types of parking meter (or find it difficult to operate them).
You will not qualify if you:
- have a psychological disorder, learning or behavioural problems. This will not normally qualify you unless your impairment causes very considerable and not intermittent, difficulty in walking;
- have a disabling condition that is only temporary, such as a broken leg.
Organisations
Organisations that care for and transport a significant number of disabled people, may be eligible for a Blue Badge. This is providing that those disabled people meet the Blue Badge criteria.
An assessment by the Council’s Mobility Assessor may be required if you do not automatically qualify for a badge.