Full Blue Badge parking eligibility for drivers with 'hidden' disabilities

Travelling can be a significant challenge for individuals with so-called 'hidden' disabilities. However, the Blue Badge scheme can provide substantial relief.

Blue Badges are designed to assist those with disabilities or health conditions by allowing them to park closer to their destination. The badge permits the holder, or anyone driving them as long as they are in the car, to utilise disabled parking spaces and even park on double yellow lines.

The benefits of a Blue Badge extend beyond mere convenience - it can also provide financial advantages as holders often have access to free parking in disabled bays or car parks. Furthermore, the badge isn't tied to a specific vehicle and can be used in any car the holder is travelling in, including taxis.

In England, a Blue Badge can cost up to £10, while in Scotland it's priced at £20. In Wales, it's issued free of charge.

Local authorities are tasked with processing these badges, determining eligibility and setting the price. Typically, a Blue Badge is valid for up to three years, after which the holder needs to reapply.

Blue Badges offer support to people with a range of health issues, from being unable to walk to suffering with a life-limiting illness. But some people have conditions that are not always easy to spot.

Government guidance highlights a number of ways in which a hidden disability could affect a claimant, which may make them eligible for a Blue Badge. This includes:

• Frequently becoming extremely anxious in public or open spaces
• Finding it difficult to control actions and lack of awareness of the impact you could have on others
• Severely struggling to plan or follow a journey
• Constantly finding yourself at significant risk of yourself or other vehicles in traffic or car parks
• Having intense or overwhelming responses to situations which result in loss of behavioural control

In England, Scotland, and Wales, you can apply for a Blue Badge on GOV.UK. However, if you're based in Northern Ireland, the application process is different.

Your local council will assess your eligibility for a badge. They cannot begin the assessment until they have received all the necessary evidence.

The review of your application could take 12 weeks or longer. If they decide that you are not eligible and you believe they did not consider all the facts, you can request them to reconsider your application.

Full details on Blue Badge eligibility can be found here.