Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Blue Badge Scheme?
• What are the rules for getting a Blue Badge?
• How do you apply?
• Is there a charge?
• How long will it take?
• How long does the badge last for?
• Will I get a reminder when my badge is due to expire

What is the Blue Badge Scheme?

The blue badge scheme is a national scheme for people who:

• Are registered blind or
• Have severe walking difficulties or
• If you drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a sever disability in both arms and are unable to operate all or some types of parking meter (or would find it very difficult to operate them)

The scheme provides a wide range of parking benefits. For example the scheme enables badge holders to park free in most pay and display car parks and also to park on single and double yellow lines in most streets for up to three hours.

Tameside Adult Services administers the scheme for Tameside residents on behalf of the Department for Transport .

For people who do not live in Tameside, please contact your local council. They should be able to help.

What are the rules for getting a Blue Badge?

Eligibility is considered in terms of being "eligible without further assessment" or "eligible subject to  further assessment".

You can get a badge without further assessment if you are more than two years old and fall within one or more of the following:

• You receive the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance;
• You receive a War Pensioners' Mobility supplement;
• You are registered blind. 

You can also get a badge subject to further assessment if:

• You are more than two years of age, drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms, and are unable to operate all or some types of parking meter (or would find it very difficult to operate them);
• You are more than two years of age, have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk, or which makes walking very difficult;
• You are a child less than two years old 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. 

How do you apply?

Contact the Blue Badge Section within Adult Services on 0161 342 2462/2465/3646 and ask them for an application form for a blue badge.

Alternatively print out a Blue Badge Application Form and Guidance Notes 4.56 MB   and post it to us at the address on the form. Don't forget to sign it and don't forgot to send copies of any documentary evidence that the forms asks for.

Is there a charge?

Yes - there is a non-refunable £2.00 administration fee.

How long will it take?

Once we have received your completed application form and, if necessary, a form completed by your doctor, we will issue the badge within 28 days.

How long does the badge last for?

Each Blue Badge can last for a maximum of 3 years. If you still need the badge after the expiry date you can apply for a new one.

Will I get a reminder when my Blue Badge is due to expire?

Unfortunately we are not able to send out reminders at the moment. Please try to ensure that you reapply at least 4 weeks before the expiry date.

For further information on the Blue Badge Scheme please contact:

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Tameside Adult Services Stalybridge Resource Centre Waterloo Road Stalybridge SK15 2AU View local map
0161 342 2400
0161 342 2460
0161 342 2577
Application Form