Here are some quick rules for people that use a Blue Badge:

• It is your responsiblity as badge holder to make sure that it is used properly.
• Do NOT allow other people to use it.
• Make sure that the details on the front of the badge stay legible. If they become unreadable then the badge must be returned to the address it was issued from so that it can be re-issued.
• Do NOT use the badge to allow non-disabled people to take advantage of the benefits whilst you sit in the car.

The government has recently announced some changes to the ‘Blue Badge’ scheme. These really should not affect those who are using their badges correctly, as they are designed to enforce the correct use only. There are two main changes that members should be aware of:

1. It will become a criminal offence in future to abuse your badge. i.e., it won’t be a small statuary fine, it will mean that the badge, in a worse case scenario, will be permanently confiscated and the fine could be as much as £1000. An example is somebody using your badge when you are not even in the vehicle, for instance, your son/daughter using your badge for his/her convenience. Remember that the badge has been issued to the named person and nobody else. If, as in the above example, you only travel in that vehicle occasionally, then the badge should be kept by you, not left in the vehicle. If left there it could be a temptation that could result in you losing, permanently, your badge.
2. Any person responsible for policing a car park will be able to ask to examine your badge, not just a serving police officer. It is therefore going to be much simpler for offences to be detected.

As an organisation we believe that these changes are long overdue. They may result in a little inconvenience for our members, but should make it a lot less worth it for cheats to use spaces set aside for those that actually need them.

The changes are set out in a Department of Transport leaflet which can be obtained by telephone 020 7944 2914 or by e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if residing in England. Wales 029 2082 6501 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Scotland 0131 244 0869/0861. Belfast 02890 540434.

DirectGov - Blue Badge Rules website