People keep parking outside my drive and blocking it - what can I do about it?
Contact Thames Valley Police, who are the enforcing Authority in the Wokingham Borough. They can take action when vehicles are parked in contravention to the Highway Code. If you call the police on 0845 8505 505 they will send their traffic wardens to investigate and take the necessary action.
There is a car parked on a highway verge, who do I speak to?
Call Wokingham Direct on: 0118 974 6000 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
How do I apply for a disabled parking blue badge?
See our disabled parking scheme page for details.
I need photographs for a blue badge application and I can't get to a photo booth. What can I do?
You don't have to have your picture taken in a phone booth. We can accept photographs that you've taken at home eg. digital photos or family photo.
As long as the picture can be cut down to the right size, showing the person's head and shoulders, it doesn't matter. Photos taken at home must be printed on photographic paper to reduce fading.
I've applied for a blue badge but not heard anything yet. When will I hear?
Application may already be being dealt with. Need to check before requesting a duplicate application form is sent.
I've lost my blue badge. How can I get a replacement?
Call us and we'll send you a replacement badge application form. You'll need a photograph for the application form. The first replacement card is free.
There is a 28 day waiting period before lost badges are replaced. Details need to be taken if you've lost a badge. If the badge hasn't been found after 28 days, you need to contact us again so that an application form for a replacement can be sent to you.
My blue badge has been stolen. What should I do?
You'll need a photograph for the application form. We don't charge for the first replacement blue badge. If you have a crime report number for a stolen badge we'll send your replacement badge to you immediately.
My blue badge expires soon. Can I renew it?
Blue badges are only issued for permanent disabilities. The only badges issued for less than 3 years are for people who receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, but whose eligibility for this allowance is due to expire within 3 years. Children under 2 may also qualify if they need bulky medical equipment to be transported with them. In this case their badge is valid up to their 2nd birthday.
A renewal application form will be sent out automatically about 8 weeks before the expiry date of the blue badge. The renewal fee is £2.
I've just moved to the Wokingham area. What do I need to do with my current blue badge?
Badges issued anywhere in the European Union can be used. If you have permanently moved to the Wokingham area, you'll need to tell your previous council of your change of address. Contact us 8 weeks before your current badge expires.
Why has my blue badge application been declined? Can I appeal?
We'll write details of the refusal in a letter to you. The letter will also tell you how to appeal. To appeal, call us to make an appointment for a mobility assessment to be carried out by an occupational therapist.
How should I display my blue badge?
The details are in 'The blue badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England' which is sent out with the badge.
Where can I get a holder for my blue badge?
Leaflets giving details of where to buy these are sent out with blue badges and are also available from our office.
Where can I get a replacement time disc clock?
These are available from our Community Care team.
I'm going on holiday abroad. Can I use my blue badge while I'm away?
It's okay to use your blue badge in most countries in the European Union but please check the details on the Department of Transport's website before you go.
Can I report someone who is using a blue badge but isn't entitled?
Yes. You can call, write or email us, anonymously if preferred. Please give us as much detail as possible eg. name of badge holder, serial number of badge, details of vehicle etc. Emails can be sent directly to: dpb@wokingham.gov.uk.
Can I report someone who is using a blue badge that belongs to someone else?
Yes. See above answer.
I have a blue badge. How do I arrange to park for free in car parks?
You can't apply for parking in car parks. Any concessions are listed on the sign in the car park. You're entitled to park as long as you display your disabled parking badge.
I have a blue badge. How long can I park on double yellow lines for?
These details are in the booklet 'The blue badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England' which is issued with all badges.
I used my blue badge but still got a parking ticket. Why? How do I appeal?
Contact the parking services section that issued your parking ticket. The contact details will be printed on your penalty notice.
I or my parent/partner/friend etc. have a blue badge and have moved address. What should I do?
Call us or write to us as soon as possible. Tell us your old address and your new address. We will update our records and make sure that a renewal notice goes to the correct address.
My parent/partner/friend etc. who has a blue badge has died. What should I do?
Call us or write to us as soon as possible. Please tell us the badge holder's name, address and date of death. Return the badge to us and we'll make sure that we don't send them any more correspondence.
Do I need to be registered as disabled to get a blue badge?
No, but if you are issued with a blue badge you will be eligible for entry on to the Disability Register.
What is the qualifying criteria for a blue badge?
You automatically qualify if you receive:
- Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate for help with getting you around. You'll need to provide a copy of your official letter confirming that you receive the allowance or vehicle excise duty exemption certificate or a copy of your registration document showing the tax exempt class of 'disabled.'
- Or: War Pensioners Mobility Supplement. You'll need to provide a copy of your official letter confirming this.
- Or: You use a car for disabled people by a Government Health Department. You'll need a letter or some form of evidence to support this.
- Or: You are registered blind
- Or: You have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a car but can't turn the steering wheel by hand, even if the wheel's fitted with a turning knob.
What other qualifying criteria is there?
You may qualify if:
- You have a permanent and substantial disability that means you can't walk or have severe difficulty walking.
- You're applying for a badge on behalf of a child under 2 years old who has a specific condition that means they need to have access to medical equipment.
I have a temporary medical condition. Do I qualify?
No.
