Blue badge - frequently asked questions

A blue badge costs £10, and is payable only when a badge has been approved.

Once we have processed and approved your application, you will receive an email from us requesting that you contact us to make payment.

Contact us on 01744 676789 and have your card details ready.

Once payment has been authorised we will then arrange for your badge to be produced and sent to your home address

We work on a 12 week processing time, but quite often application will be processed sooner than that, depending on whether we have all of the information we need, and any checks and clarifications on the information you have provided on your application form.

The Badge is for your use and benefit only.

It must only be displayed if:

• You are travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger
• Someone is collecting you or dropping you off and needs to park at the place where you are being collected or dropped
• Do not allow other people to use the Badge to do something on your behalf, such as shopping or collecting something for you, unless you are travelling with them.

Never give the Badge to friends or family to allow them to park for free, even if they are visiting you.

It is a criminal offence to misuse a Badge. This includes people other than the Badge holder taking advantage of the parking concessions provided under the scheme.

Your badge is valid for a period of 3 years, unless we have stated otherwise.

The date of expiry is clearly marked on your badge, both on the front and on the back.

We will send you a reminder 3 months before your badge is due to expire, either by post or by email, depending on your preference.

We do not send out application forms - applications are made using GOV.UK - please see the 'How can I apply' section to find out what your options are.

To ensure that you receive your new badge in time, so that you have it as soon as your old one expires, please complete your application and provide all of the required information as soon as possible after receiving your reminder.

A Blue Badge is for the use and benefit only of the person to whom the Badge has been issued and misuse is a criminal offence which could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge.

A Blue Badge should only be displayed if the Badge holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or for a driver to park at the place where the Badge holder is being picked up or dropped off.

Do not use the Badge to allow non-disabled people to take advantage of the benefits while you sit in the car. Although it is not illegal for a Badge holder, or a non-disabled person waiting for the Badge holder to return, to remain in the vehicle while the Blue Badge is displayed, consideration should be given to using a car park whenever possible.

A Badge holder who is using the concessions of the Blue Badge Scheme as a passenger should ensure the driver is aware of all the rules for using the Badge.

Police officers, council officers and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect a Blue Badge and confiscate it if they believe it is being misused.

if you have any information or concerns about someone misuing a blue badge concession, please report it to us in confidence.

The council will seek to prosecute all cases of misuse.

Report Blue Badge misuse