Disabled Person's Car Badge - European Blue Parking Badge for Disabled and Blind People

When the Disabled Person's Car Badge Scheme was introduced in 1971, it was intended to apply only to those people who have severe mobility problems. Unfortunately, the scheme received a lot of criticism because of the widespread abuse, which if not checked, posed a real threat to the continuation of the concessions. New measures were instituted in 1983, 1992 and again in 2007 to ensure that badges would be issued to only those who really need them.

What is the Blue European Badge Scheme?

The Blue European Badge Scheme provides an European arrangement of parking concessions for people with mobility problems who travel either as drivers or passengers and for registered blind people.

The blue badge replaces orange badge which could only be used in Great Britain. The blue badge is plastic coated/laminated. The new badge does not require the name of the holder to appear on the front, just on the reverse. This meets the personal safety concerns that some people have about displaying their names.

The scheme allows badge holders to park closer to their destination, e.g. shops, restaurants, public buildings. The European concessions apply only to on street parking although some local authorities also waive charges in the 'off street' car parks.

There are some exceptions to the use of the concessions, e.g:

Central London Boroughs
Some airports
Certain town centres where vehicular access is prohibited

Eligibility criteria

The badge is issued to you as an individual, not a vehicle. You can display the badge on any vehicle, including taxis and hired cars, in which you are traveling. The request on the application form for a vehicle registration number is needed for the register we are required to keep and does not restrict use of the badge to that car.

There is an administrative charge of £2 for the issue of the badge. A badge lasts for 3 years only, after which an application for renewal is required. You must return the badge to us if you no longer need it through the change of circumstances.

The badge has been designed to include space for a passport type photograph of the badge holder to be displayed as a further means of minimising abuse of the scheme. Misuse of a badge can constitute an 'offence' with severe penalties being incurred. The Police have the right to remove a badge where it is evidence material to the prosecution of an offence. We can make a decision on withdrawal of the concession.

How to apply

If you think you may be entitled to a badge, you should:

Download the Blue Badge application form by following the links on the left hand side of the page.
Where you have answered 'yes' to any of the automatic criteria, please attach copies of documents as evidence of your eligibility to apply under this category.
If you are applying under the assessed criteria please ensure that the relevent sections are fully completed as this is the information on which your application will be assessed.
Obtain 2 passport type photographs of yourself.
Return your completed application form accompanied by:

2 photographs - signed on the back by the applicant and
Documentary evidence of your identity
Documentary evidence of residency in the Wokingham Borough
Documentary evidence of eligibility if you are applying under the automatic criteria

Where to send forms

The address to return your forms to is:

Wokingham Borough Council

Community Care Team
Wellington House
Wellington Road
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 2QB

A decision will be made from the information submitted whether you meet the necessary criteria for provision of a Blue European Badge. If further clarification is required on the information submitted, you may be required to be seen by a member of staff before a decision is made.

You will be informed if your application is successful or unsuccessful. Successful applicants will be asked to submit £2 fee and the badge will then be issued with the explanatory leaflet giving information on how to use the badge and the concessions that the scheme gives you.

Photographs will be returned to unsuccessful applicants.