Applying for a Blue Badge:
How can I get one?
For those of you who want a "Blue Badge" (formerly the Orange Badge) for disabled parking, you can get these automatically if you receive DLA, or you can apply to your local council and ask for an application form. You can phone your council and they will send one in the post.
You can also get one automatically if you receive Higher Rate Mobility DLA, however, I have heard that this is a lengthy procedure and people have had quite some trouble with them. I phoned up Lancashire County Council,asked for one and I received my application for the next day! I sent the form off, they got it the next day and sent my badge and clock for me to receive it the next. They were very efficient.
What does it do?
It is well worth applying for, anyone who owns one will tell you the same! The following "do's and don'ts" are taken from the handbook they sent with my blude badge.
The Blue Badge enables the holder to park on yellow lines, single yellow lines or in disabled spaces for up to 3 hours. The badge is valid for 3 years. You may park for free in "Pay and Display" car parks.
However you cannot park on or in:
However:
displaying the clock and badge on public land, e.g a street or main road.
These rules still apply if the lines are faded or broken.
What do I do once I have my application form?
The application process differs from council to council.
E.g for the Bolton council, you only send off your application form.
Once they approve, they then ask you to send a £2 admin fee and two passport sizes photos of yourself.
For the Lancashire Council, you send your form, £2 fee and photos all at once, they will be returned if you are not successful.
Fill out the form. Put down what walking aids you use, e.g wheelchair or walking stick.
If you receive DLA, put down the relevant info aboout the benfits you receive of them (amount, date of award, etc)
The next part is up to your doctor. Whether or not you get the badge depends on what he or she puts. They must confirm that you have ME or any other illnesses. For a Blue Badge, the illness has to be PERMANENT or else you wil be refused!
Then they are asked to put how far you can walk. The options are: under 50m, under 100m, over 100m. You will only get it if the doctor writes you can only walk under 100m.
What if I'm refused?
Should this happen, you are not allowed to apply for another 6 months, your doctor has probably put that you can walk over 100m or your condition is temporary in this case. But if you are diagnosed with something permanent, like Parkinsons, in this 6 month period, you may be eligible to apply before the 6 months is up.