 | What is the Blue Badge Scheme?
|
 | The European Blue Badge was introduced in April 2000 to replace the Orange Badge which could only be used in Great Britain.
The Blue Badge Scheme is available to people who have severe walking difficulties, people who are registered blind, and people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle and are unable or find it difficult to operate all or some types of parking meter.
The Scheme allows the badge holder to take advantage of disabled motorists parking privileges whenever they are travelling, as a driver or passenger, anywhere within the European Union. The concessions are subject to certain rules and restrictions, and these will be explained when the badge is issued.
|
| Who can get a Blue Badge?
|
| Anyone who meets one of the following criteria is eligible for the automatic issue of a Blue Badge:
- Receives the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
- Receives a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.
- Is a registered blind person under the National Assistance Act 1948.
Those who do not meet one of the criterion above, but meet one of the following criterion may be eligible for a discretionary issue of a Blue Badge.
- Has a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drives a motor vehicle, but has difficulty operating parking meters.
- Has a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking.
- Children under 2 years of age who, because of a specific medical condition, needs to travel with bulky medical equipment or needs to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment.
|
| Who decides if I qualify for a blue badge?
|
| The Blue Badge Scheme in Warwickshire is administered by Warwickshire County Council who issue badges in accordance with guidelines and regulations provided by the Department for Transport.
|
| Who may use the Blue Badge?
|
| The Blue Badge is issued to a person, not a vehicle. This means the badge holder may use the concessions whenever he/she travels as a driver or passenger, regardless of who owns the vehicle.
Only the person to whom the badge has been issued may use the concessions, that is to say, the badge holder must be in the vehicle when the concession is being claimed.
| Note: | The only time that someone else may use the badge, without the holder being in the vehicle, is if they are dropping off or picking up the badge holder. The badge must be removed from display as soon as the vehicle leaves the area which is accessible only to vehicles displaying the badge. |
Warning - it is now a criminal offence for someone other than the badge holder to use the Blue Badge concessions. If they do, they are liable to a fine up to £1,000. The Blue Badge can be withdrawn if the holder misuses it or allows other to misuse it.
|
| How long is the Blue Badge valid for?
|
| Blue Badges are usually issued for three years.
If your Blue Badge was issued by Warwickshire County Council, we will write to you approximately one month before your badge is about to expire to remind you to re-apply for a new one.
|
| What happens if I move?
|
| You may continue to use your Blue Badge. If you move to another Warwickshire address, we would ask that you let us know your new address so that we can update our records and send you a reminder before the badge expires.
If you move away from Warwickshire County Council, you will need to apply to your new local authority for a new badge when the current one expires.
|
| How do I get a Blue Badge?
|
| Everyone who wishes to apply for a Blue Badge must complete the Application Form and return it with the appropriate documents to the Customer Service Centre at Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 4TH
Automatic Issue or Discretionary issue - If you meet one of the criteria as specified in question two you must supply:
- Photocopies of the evidence that you are receiving the benefit (if applicable).
- Two recently taken passport-style/size photographs of yourself. Please make sure that you have have signed the back of both photographs.
- Cheque for £2.00 made payable to Warwickshire County Council.
Do not send cash or your benefit book(s) or original documents to us in the post.
|
|  |
| What if my application is unsuccessful?
|
| There is no legal requirement for local authorities to have an appeals procedure in place if someone disagrees with their application being rejected. However, if you are not happy with the decision, we do have an internal procedure in place to deal with appeals whereby unsuccessful applicants can write, within a set deadline, to seek a review of their unsuccessful application by a senior manager within the relevant department.
The appeal must be made within 28 days from the date of the local authority’s decision letter. Please send your request for an appeal to:
Customer Service Centre, Warwickshire County Council, PO Box 9, Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 4TH
|