The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK.

About the Scheme

The concessions apply to on-street parking and include free use of pay-and-display bays. Badge holders may also be exempt from limits on parking times imposed on others and can park for up to three hours on single and double yellow lines, as long as they are not causing an obstruction and the  badge and time clock are displayed. (except where there is a ban on loading or unloading or other restrictions).

Charges apply in some of the car parks in Bath.  You must consult the tariff boards after parking but before leaving the car park.

Do You Qualify?

You are automatically eligible to apply for a badge if you are over two years old and either:

• receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
• are registered severely sight impaired (blind)
• receive a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement

Subject to assessment you may also be eligible for a badge if you are over two years old and either:

• have a permanent and sustainable disability which means you cannot walk, or which makes walking very difficult
• drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms, and  unable to operate all or some types of parking meter (or would find it very difficult to operate them)

If you are a parent of a child who is less than two years old, you may apply for a badge for your child if they have a specific medical condition which means that they either:

• must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around without great difficulty
• need to be kept near a vehicle at all times, so that they can, if necessary, be treated in the vehicle, or quickly driven to a place where they can be treated, such as a hospital

 Information For Blue Badge Holders

Where Can I Park with My Badge? 

·         Advisory Disabled Bays

·         Bath and Keynsham Controlled Parking Zones

·         On-Street Designated Disabled Parking Bays

·         Some Yellow Line Waiting Restrictions

Advisory Disabled Bays

These are found primarily in residential areas and there is no limit on the length of stay; unfortunately, as the title suggests these bays are advisory only.  The Council is unable to take enforcement action against inconsiderate parking by non badge holders.

Bath and Keynsham Controlled Parking Zones

Blue Badge Holders may park in the same controlled parking zones as resident and business permit holders. The badge must be clearly displayed at all times during the restricted hours.  The restricted times are usually Mon- Sat 8am to 6pm,  zone entry signs at all vehicle entry points to a zone will indicate the times and days that the  restrictions apply.

On-Street Designated Disabled Parking Bays

These are  primarily found in town centres and will have a sign to show that the bay is restricted  for use by badge holders only. Enforcement action is taken against non badge holders or if the badge is not clearly displayed.

Off -Street Parking - Car Parks

With the exception of the bays at the entrance to Charlotte Street car park  parking charges now apply to blue badge holders in ALL Pay & Display and  Pay on Foot car parks IN BATH ONLY with the exception of the Sports & Leisure Centre Car park in North Parade.  The tariff boards in each car park indicate the charges that apply.

Yellow Line Waiting Restrictions

Parking on double and single yellow lines is permitted for a period up to three hours providing you  clearly display a valid blue badge and set the time clock.

You are not allowed to park on yellow lines  when loading restrictions  are in force or where you would cause an obstruction such as parking in front of a dropped kerb.  Loading restrictions are indicated by yellow line markings along the kerb.

The badge does not entitle you to park anywhere. The blue badge scheme booklet gives full details on where you can and cannot park.   You must observe highway restriction and ensure that you do not park where your vehicle is likely to cause an obstruction. 

Failure to display the badge and or the time clock or contravene highway restrictions may result in a penalty charge notice being issued which will be enforced.

Further Advice and Information

More information on the Blue Badge Scheme can be found at the Department for Transport’s website.   ·         Department For Transport

An Advisory leaflet  entitled ‘Can I get a Blue Badge?’ is  available from the Department for Transport by e-mailing dft@twoten.press.net – please quote reference T/INF/1233