Blue Badge Parking Permits
The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems.
It allows anybody that has a Blue Badge to park close to where they need to go.
The scheme operates throughout most areas in the UK and is intended for on-street parking only.
Off-street car parks, such as those provided in council, hospital or supermarket car parks are governed by separate rules.
The Blue Badge scheme is managed locally by Rutland County Council, who deal with applications and issue Blue Badges.
Changes to Blue Badge Scheme (from 1 January 2012)
It was announced in February 2011 that a number of changes to the Blue Badge scheme would be introduced to help tackle rising levels of fraud and abuse, and ensuring badges are issued more fairly to those who need them most.
These changes apply across England and every council is making a number of changes from 1 January 2012:
- the design of the Blue Badge will change to aid enforcement and make it harder to tamper with, copy or forge
- you will be able to apply for a badge online through Directgov
The above changes only take place when your current Blue Badge expires. Please keep using your existing Blue Badge until the renewal date.
How do I apply for a Blue Badge?
You should download the Blue Badge application form (below) and once completed, the best option is to bring it to Rutland County Council Customer Services. This enables us to check your application and proof of identity, and return your documents to you immediately.
Please allow plenty of time for your application to be processed - we suggest four weeks.
If you do not wish to take advantage of this service, you can still post your application and documents to Rutland County Council, but please mark them for the attention of the 'Blue Badge Department' and we advise sending by recorded delivery.
You will also need to enclose two passport-sized photographs - before you do this, you may find it helpful to read our Blue Badge photograph guidance notes.
Download: Blue Badge Application Form (from 1 January 2012)
How do I get a document certified?
Photocopy the original document. Take the original and the photocopy to an:
- Accountant
- Barrister/Solicitor/Legal Executive
- Doctor/Dentist/Optician/Pharmacist/Chiropodist/Nurse (RGN or RMN)
- Justice of the Peace
- Member of Parliament
- Minister of Religion
- Officer of the Armed Services
- Police Officer
- Post Office official
- Surveyor
- Teacher/Lecturer
The official must make the following statement ON EVERY PAGE:
“This copy is a true likeness of the original” alongside their signature. They should also print their name, contact number and occupation.
Photocopies and faxes of certified copies are not acceptable.
Am I eligible for a Blue Badge?
As you would expect, there is strict criteria that you must meet when applying for a Blue Badge.
Anyone automatically qualifies for a Blue Badge if they:
- are registered blind
- are receiving a War Pensioner’s Mobility supplement
- are receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
You'll also automatically qualify if you've received a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (within tariff levels 1-8). You must also have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
If you do not automatically qualify?
Your eligibility will need to be assessed by Rutland County Council who will decide if you can have a blue badge. RCC might also ask you to be assessed by an independent mobility assessor, like an Occupational Therapist and/or ask for information from health care professionals involved in your treatment or care.
Anyone may be eligible for a Blue Badge, if they either:
- have a permanent and substantial disability which means they cannot walk, or makes walking very difficult
- drive a motor vehicle regularly and have a severe disability in both arms, making it very difficult or impossible to operate parking meters
You can also find out more information about Blue Badges for parents of children with disabilities on the www.direct.gov.uk website.
Appeal a decision
If you do not qualify for a Blue Badge but would like to appeal against this decision, Rutland County Council has a Blue Badge Appeals process in place.
More Information
If you require further guidance, please contact Rutland County Council (01572 722 577) or email enquiries@rutland.gov.uk for more information.
You can also view the latest information on the Direct.gov website (blue badge scheme).
