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FAQs about disabled parking bays

Here you'll find some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about disabled parking bays.

If you need to get in touch you can:

• call us on 023 023 9268 8304
• email disabledbays@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
• write to us at
  Parking Service, Alec Rose Lane, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2BX

I don't own and drive a vehicle, can I apply for a disabled parking bay?

Yes, providing that the person who owns and drives a vehicle on your behalf is a permanent resident at your address.

I don't own and drive a vehicle and there is no permanent resident at my address who owns and drives a vehicle on my behalf. Can I still apply for a disabled parking bay for relatives or taxis to pick me up?

No, it's not feasible to have a “part time” space, as a bay that is used for transport only when picking people up or for occasional visits will stand empty the majority of the time. This tends to lead to abuse of these spaces and their credibility is consequently harmed. It could also lead to complaints from neighbours, advising us that the owner of the bay does not have a car and is therefore reducing the amount of valuable parking space for other residents in an area where parking is at a premium.

I have a driveway/garage at my property but motorists park in front of it and prevent me from using it, can I apply for a disabled parking bay?

No, we are unable to install a disabled parking bay across an entrance as any Blue Badge holder may use it and therefore continue to block the entrance. Only an entrance bar can be installed in these circumstances to advise motorists that access is required to the off-street parking facility. To apply for an entrance marking please contact our City Helpdesk on 023 9283 4092.

I have a driveway/garage but my disability prevents me from using it, can I apply for a disabled parking bay?

Yes, although we will not usually approve an application where the applicant has an off-street parking facility, it may be approved if there are exceptional circumstances. When you apply for a disabled parking bay, please provide as much information as possible about your off-street parking facility and the reasons why you are unable to use it in order to help us to decide whether the application can be approved.

I have a parking restriction outside of my property, can I still apply for a disabled parking bay?

Yes, in circumstances where the applicant has a parking restriction outside of their property, for example double yellow lines or a bus stop, we will install the disabled parking bay in the nearest unrestricted parking space. If the applicant has a limited wait restriction outside of their property or lives in a resident parking zone, we will still be able to provide a bay outside of their property.  

I am not a Blue Badge holder, can I apply for a disabled parking bay?

No, you must hold a valid Blue Badge to apply for a disabled parking bay. If you wish to apply for a Blue Badge, please contact us on 023 9284 1176.

I am not in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, higher rate of Attendance Allowance or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, can I still apply for a disabled parking bay?

Yes, the application pack contains a medical form. If the applicant does not meet the medical criteria listed on the application form, but has a permanent and substantial disability, which means that they are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty in walking, they can take the form to their medical practitioner so that they can provide evidence to enable us to assess the application. Please note that medical practitioners may charge for the completion of these forms and any costs incurred are the responsibility of the applicant.

How long will my application take to process?

Please be advised we will make every effort to deal with applications as quickly as possible. However, due to the high demand for disabled parking bays and the work involved with processing applications, it will take a minimum of 3 months to process an application and install a bay. Applicants will be notified in writing if their application is successful or not.

My application has been refused, can I appeal against the decision?

Yes, in exceptional circumstances the Head of Transport and Street Management in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation may consider applications that have not been approved. If you wish to be considered as a special case please write to us at the address above explaining your reason for the appeal.

Are residential disabled parking bays enforceable?

We are in the process of upgrading all of the city's residential disabled parking bays from courtesy markings to enforceable parking bays. This is being completed on a ward-to-ward basis as part of a two-year rolling programme, which commenced in May 2007. An enforceable disabled parking bay can be identified by a sign situated next to the bay stating that parking is for "Disabled badge holders only". If a motorist is parked within an enforceable disabled parking bay without displaying a valid Blue Badge or Disabled Bay Permit, they will be liable to receive a Penalty Charge Notice. Please be advised that we cannot remove vehicles from disabled parking bays, we can only issue Penalty Charge Notices to them.

Due to the legal processes involved, new disabled parking bays must be added to the Traffic Regulation Order for enforceable bays before they can be enforced and so will be installed initially as courtesy markings. Once added to an amendment of the legal order, made every 3-6 months, we will then be able to upgrade these bays to enforceable bays.