Blue Badge Scheme (Parking Permits)
The Blue Badge scheme of parking concessions for disabled and blind people
How do I get a Blue Badge?
Blue Badges are available from:
Parking Services
Transport Strategy Service
Development & Enterprise
Gateshead Council
Civic Centre
Regent Terrace
Gateshead
NE8 1HH
What is the Blue Badge Scheme?
Blue Badges allow people who are registered blind or people who have severe walking difficulties who travel as either drivers or passengers to park near shops, stations and other facilities. People with severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand can also apply.
The Blue Badge Scheme is a national arrangement, but its parking concessions only apply to on-street parking.
It replaced the Orange Badge Scheme in March 2000. Blue Badges are issued as existing eligible Badges come up for renewal, or as new applications are processed.
The Blue Badge is recognised throughout the European Union.
Who can apply?
You can apply for a badge if:
You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance (pre 1992), or you receive War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement. You will need to supply a copy of the original award letter showing the rate given and the duration of the award.
You use a vehicle supplied for disabled people by a Government Health Department. You will need to provide documents to confirm this.
You are registered blind. You will need to provide either a copy of the registration letter from the local authority who registered you, or a copy of the new Certificate of Visual Impairment or BD8 form supplied by your eye consultant. If you are registered with Gateshead Council we may be able to access the register to confirm this.
You have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a vehicle by hand even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob. We will write to your doctor to confirm this.
You have a permanent and substantial disability, which means you are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty in walking. In this case we will write to your doctor to ask him to confirm these details.
How to apply for a Blue Badge
Contact us if you live within the Borough of Gateshead. If not you must apply to the local authority responsible for your area.
You must fully complete an application form and take it or send it to the above address. We will be unable to process the application if the form is not fully completed or if it is not signed.
If you are applying because you have severe difficulty in walking but do not receive any mobility allowances, your application may take a few weeks to be processed as we will need to write to your doctor.
The final decision to issue or refuse a badge rests entirely with the Council and we will contact you once a decision has been made.
If you are applying under any of the other categories, your badge may be issued immediately upon receipt of the application at the Civic Centre provided all the relevant documentation is supplied with it.
Please note that applications will only be accepted between
9.00 a.m. - 11.45a.m.
1.30 p.m. - 4.00p.m.
Monday to Friday (both inclusive)
Unless you make prior arrangements with an officer from the parking services team.
Do I have to supply photographs?
If your application is approved, two recent passport-sized photographs will be required which you should sign on the back. Photographs taken using a digital camera are acceptable. One of the photographs will be affixed to the Blue Badge.
How to obtain a replacement Blue Badge
Only ONE replacement Blue Badge is allowed per issue.
Your replacement badge will be issued to the same expiry date as the one you have lost.
Contact Parking Services and request an application form. You will be required to complete and sign a declaration giving the circumstances of the loss/theft. You will need to supply two more passport sized photographs and the fee of £2.00 (In the case of theft a crime number must be quoted and the replacement badge will be free of charge).
Frequently Asked Questions
I receive the low rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance. Do I qualify for a badge?
If you receive the lower rate of the mobility component, the Council will write to your doctor for confirmation of your medical condition. It is only the higher rate of mobility that gives you automatic entitlement to a badge.
Can I apply for a Blue Badge for a child?
Children under the age of two years are not eligible for a badge. Applications for children over the age of two years will be processed in exactly the same way as for an adult. The application must be made in the child’s name and the photographs must be of the child. The parent or guardian will be required to sign the form for children up to the age of twelve years.
My partner has had a stroke and is no longer able to write. Can I sign the form instead?
Yes.
How long is my Blue Badge valid for?
Badges are usually issued for a period of three years. However, if the badge is issued because you are in receipt of a mobility allowance and the end date of the mobility allowance is less than three years, then the Badge will be issued to coincide with the end of the mobility allowance.
Can I have more than one Blue Badge?
No. the badge is personal to the badge holder and can be used in any vehicle as long as the holder is present.
How do I get my Blue Badge renewed?
If your badge was issued for a period less than three years because your mobility allowance expired, you will have to provide proof that your award has been renewed. If you cannot supply this, then you will be asked for details of your disability and your family doctor. We will write to your doctor to ask him to confirm these details. You are not automatically entitled to a new Badge because you have had one in the past. You should return your old Badge when your new one is issued.
I have a Blue Badge - can I claim free car tax?
The Blue Badge only provides parking concessions. In order to qualify for free car tax the holder must be in receipt of Higher Rate Mobility component of DLA and apply to the DVLA (Call 0870 240 0010 - Customer Services)
What happens if I lose my Blue Badge or it is stolen?
If it is stolen, report this immediately to the police to obtain a crime report number. When you have this information contact the Parking Services section at the Civic Centre.
You will have to supply two new photographs and will be asked to complete a Blue Badge Renewal form. If you are unable to provide a crime report number, the duplicate Badge will cost £2.00. The duplicate Badge will expire on the same date that your lost Badge was due to expire.
I have lost my time card - can I have a new one?
Yes - free of charge.
I do not have a car. Does this mean I can't have a Blue Badge?
You do not need to have a car or be a car driver to have a Blue Badge. The Badge issued will belong to you and you may use it in any car you are travelling in. The driver of the car may not use your Badge unless you are present.
Is there a charge for a Blue Badge?
Yes, they currently cost £2.00.
Why do I need to supply two photographs with my application form?
One photograph is used for your Badge and one is retained for your file.
The Parking Services team will be happy to check the status of your application. Please call the number above or visit the reception on the second floor of the Civic Centre.