Disabled Road Users

The Blue Badge Scheme (formerly the Orange Badge scheme)

The main purpose of the scheme is to allow disabled and blind people to park closer to their destination. When a vehicle is parked, the Blue Badge should be displayed so that the holder's name and the date of expiry are visible. The person entitled to have a badge may be a driver or a passenger. This includes disabled children over the age of two who meet the conditions.

What does the Blue Badge entitle you to do?

It generally means that you can:

• Park without charge or time limit at parking meters.
• Park without a time limit in streets where waiting is allowed for limited periods.
• Park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours (although there are some restrictions). In Scotland there is no time limit.

However, a Blue Badge is not a license to park anywhere. Some restrictions do apply and the above is for guidance only. For example, you cannot park in bus or cycle lanes, when loading restrictions apply, etc. Also, the Blue Badge scheme does not apply to off-street or private car parks (such as supermarket car parks) - but these often have designated disabled parking. You will need to read the full instructions when you get a Blue Badge.

Blue Badges can also be used in European Union (EU) countries and in some other European countries. Also, people with a Blue Badge do not have to pay the London congestion charge - but you must register with Transport for London before travelling.

It is an offence to display a Blue Badge if the disabled person has not been in the vehicle prior to its being parked, unless the driver is parking to collect the disabled person.

Who can get a Blue Badge?

• If you get the higher rate of mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
• If you get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
• If you use a vehicle supplied by a government department or with a grant towards the running costs of your own car.
• If you are registered blind.
• If you drive regularly and have a severe disability in both arms which means they cannot turn the steering wheel by hand.
• If you have a permanent disability so bad that you cannot walk or have great difficulty in walking.

How can you apply for a Blue Badge?

Contact the Social Services department of your local council. They may ask you doctor (GP) for medical evidence about the degree of disability.

See the Department for Transport's website for full information: www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/

Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax)

You are exempt from paying the Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax) if you get:

• The higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

If you are eligible you may nominate another person's vehicle to be exempted from tax. If you use your employer's company car, you can nominate the company for exemption. To qualify for exemption the vehicle should be used substantially for the purposes of the disabled person.

How do you apply for exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty?

If you get higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, you will automatically be sent the exemption forms to claim an exemption certificate. You then use your exemption certificate to apply for a free tax disc.

Contact the DVLA for details, or see their website: www.dvla.gov.uk

Help with hiring and purchasing a motor vehicle

Motability is a voluntary organisation which helps people to use the higher rate of the mobility component of their Disability Living Allowance to get a motor vehicle or car. They operate both a hiring scheme and a hire purchase scheme.

Who can use Motability?

• if you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, OR
• have a child who receives it, OR
• you are getting War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

For more information about Motability contact them at:
Motability, City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB
Tel (Helpline): 0845 456 4566 Minicom: 0845 675 0009 Web: www.motability.co.uk

Further Information

The website of the Department for Transport www.dft.gov.uk
The site gives full information and regulations for the Blue Badge, and lots of other relevant information about mobility and transport for disabled people

Mobilise Organisation

Ashwellthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 1EX
Tel: 0870 770 3333
Web: www.dda.org.uk
Run for disabled people by disabled people, and concerns itself with the needs of disabled people primarily by encouraging greater independence through enhanced mobility.

Directgov

Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Directgov brings together the widest range of public service information and services online.
Produced by the Central Office of Information, Directgov provides information from across UK government departments on topics ranging from travel safety and parental leave, to special educational needs, local NHS services, and benefits. The site also brings together an increasing number of online government services - including being able to download and/or complete certain benefit claim forms online.

Benefit Enquiry Line - BEL

England, Wales and Scotland - Tel: 0800 88 22 00 Textphone: 0800 24 33 55
Northern Ireland - Tel: 0800 220 674 Textphone: 0800 243 787
For people with disabilities, their carers and representatives. It is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. BEL offers confidential advice and information on benefits and how to claim them. In addition they can also send out an extensive range of leaflets and claim packs, and help you to complete a claim form over the phone.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Provides independent advice on many issues including benefits. Listed in the phone book under 'Citizens Advice Bureaux'. Also see their excellent website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk