Millions of people with disabilities can access vital parking concessions under the Blue Badge scheme. The scheme allows them to park nearer to their destinations, including spots reserved for disabled people and, at times, even on double yellow lines.

Statistics reveal as of March 31, 2023, a total of 2.57 million Blue Badges are in circulation across England. This marks an increase of 5.7% from the previous year, and means that 4.6% of the population now possess one of the parking permits.

However some people may not realise these Blue Badges can expire. Valid for only three years, the permits require renewal as they do not automatically extend and holders must reapply to maintain access to the privileges given through the scheme.

Those who do not renew but carry on using an out of date permit might face a fine of £1,000 for "misusing" the badge. In the period from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, there were 1.14 million badges distributed, a jump of 101,000 badges (a 9.7% rise) from the year before.

This included badges being renewed as well as first-time applications. However it means obtaining a Blue Badge either as a new applicant or for renewal purposes could involve a significant wait, reports Lancs Live.

The government has warned an application can take up to 12 weeks to process. This affects all applicants whether they are new or existing badge holders

For those living in England, Wales, or Scotland, you can apply for a new Blue Badge or renew an existing one online. However, the application process is different in Northern Ireland.

The government website explains: "A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It's free in Wales. They usually last up to 3 years. You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires."

It's important to note that having had a Blue Badge previously does not guarantee you'll automatically receive a new one. The schemes are managed by local authorities, many of which provide guidelines on eligibility and application procedures.

One local authority which administers the badges, Gateshead Council, states: "To renew your Blue Badge you need to go through the same process as you would if applying for the first time. It is your responsibility to renew your Blue Badge."

The council further clarifies: "You are not automatically entitled to a new badge because you have had one in the past. Every application must be accompanied by the supporting evidence stated, whether a new application or renewal. This is a requirement set out by the Department for Transport."

People who automatically get a Blue Badge

You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
• you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

If you have any score other than 10 points under descriptor E, in the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity of PIP you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge, but you do not automatically qualify. This includes if you have a higher score of 12. You will have to provide evidence to demonstrate your eligibility which will be assessed as part of your application.

People who may get a Blue Badge

You may be eligible for a badge if one or more of the following applies:

• you cannot walk at all
• you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids
• you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes
• walking is dangerous to your health and safety
• you have a life-limiting illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form
• you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but cannot operate pay-and-display parking machines
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment
• you are constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
• you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey
• you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others
• you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
• you frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces

Your local council will decide if you are eligible for a badge. They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence. It may take 12 weeks or longer to assess your application. If they decide that you are not eligible and you think that they did not take account of all the facts, you can ask them to consider your application again.

Where can you use a Blue Badge?

Age UK notes that Blue Badge holders can bypass some parking restrictions, allowing them to park:

• free of charge at on-street parking meters and in Pay and Display bays
• on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, except where there's a ban on loading or unloading.

Some local councils put additional restrictions on Blue Badge holders. You should check with the local council in the area you’re parking in to find out what their rules are. The scheme doesn't apply in certain boroughs in London, which offer their own parking concessions.

How to apply or renew online

You can apply on the government website. There’s a different way to apply if you’re in Northern Ireland.

You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You will also need a photo or scan of your:

• proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
• proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
• proof of benefits (if you get any)
• your National Insurance number (if you have one)
• the details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying)

Some councils allow you to apply or renew your Blue Badge on a paper form - contact your local council to check.