Blue Badge holders could be fined for parking in 11 places

Blue Badge holders face penalties for parking in these restricted areas at any time of day or night

Those with a disability, physical or mental health condition that affects their ability to walk, or those suffering from dementia, autism or Parkinson’s, may be eligible for a Blue Badge. This usually allows them to park closer to their destinations, but this is not always the case.

A Blue Badge holder, whether driving or as a passenger, can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions. However, it’s crucial to remember that there are over 10 spots where permit holders cannot park at any time – day or night – or they could face a fine or penalty.

The Blue Badge permits a vehicle to park in many areas where other drivers cannot, such as on-street parking meter spaces, on-street pay-and-display spaces, disabled persons’ parking spaces and even over single or double yellow lines, reports the Daily Record.

Always display the badge correctly – guidance for people in England, Wales and Scotland explains that when you are parking and want to use the badge, you must place it on top of the dashboard, where it can be clearly read through the front windscreen.

The front of the badge should face upwards and the photo side should not be visible through the windscreen. There are indicators on either side to help you remember which way it should be placed.

Where can you park with a Blue Badge?

The Blue Badge is linked to you rather than a vehicle, so you can use it with any car. This includes taxis and hire cars that you drive or travel in as a passenger.

When you get your Blue Badge, you should be given a leaflet from your council explaining how to use it. If you don’t get one, either ask or read the guidelines on GOV.UK.

Your Blue Badge usually lets you park for free:

• on streets with parking meters or pay-and-display machines for as long as you need to
• in disabled parking bays on streets for as long as you need to, unless a sign says there is a time limit
• on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours unless there’s a ‘no loading’ sign

The 11 locations are where parking is banned at all times:

Even with a Blue Badge, there are certain places where you cannot park, such as:

1. in loading/unloading bays unless signs specify time limits for badge holders
2. on double or single red lines during their hours of operation
3. where there are one or two yellow markings on the kerb
4. where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken
5. parking places reserved for specific users such as residents or taxis
6. pedestrian crossings and zigzag lines
7. clearways (no stopping) including urban and bus stop clearways, during their hours of operation
8. school ‘keep clear’ markings during the hours shown on yellow no-stopping plate
9. bus, tram or cycle lanes (Badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes)
10. suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed
11. where temporary parking restrictions are in force – such as roadworks or no-waiting cones