FAQs about Disabled Parking Bays
Last updated: 15 May 2013 12:50 UKHere 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 9268 8304
- Email us at disabledbays@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- Write to us at
Transport and Environment, 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 is not feasible to have a disabled parking bay that is used only as a means of picking up/setting down passengers, as the bay will stand empty the majority of the time, preventing other motorists from parking. This could 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. Please be aware that carers are not permitted to use disabled parking bays to visit clients unless they are transporting the disabled person or they are also disabled and hold a valid Blue Badge.
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 production and publication of Traffic Regulation Orders, an application will take a minimum of three months to process. 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 a member of staff from the parking management team 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?
Yes, Portsmouth City Council operates an enforceable disabled parking bay scheme. The city's residential disabled parking bays were upgraded from courtesy markings to enforceable parking bays as part of a two year rolling programme which was completed in early June 2009. An enforceable disabled parking bay can be identified by a sign situated next to the bay stating 'Disabled Badge holders only'. If a motorist is parked within an enforceable disabled parking bay without displaying a valid Blue Badge or Disabled Parking Bay Permit, they will be liable to receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
Do I have to display my Blue Badge whilst I am parked in my disabled parking bay?
It is a legal requirement to display a valid Blue Badge whilst parked in an enforceable disabled parking bay. However, as concerns have been raised by bay holders regarding the requirement to display the Blue Badge at all times whilst parked in their allocated bay, they are able to request a permit, specific to their vehicle and address, which will allow them to park in their allocated bay without the need to display the Blue Badge. Permit request forms are automatically issued to bay holders upon the issue of a disabled parking bay and can also be requested by contacting us.
Can I use my disabled parking bay permit and my Blue Badge in two different vehicles at the same time within the vicinity of my home address?
No, the disabled parking bay permit is issued as an alternative to your Blue Badge, not to be used as well as, for parking in the disabled parking bay outside your house. Therefore if you have a vehicle parked in your disabled parking bay with the permit on display you cannot then use your Blue Badge in another vehicle to park within the vicinity of your home address.
Another motorist has parked in my disabled parking bay, how do I report them?
Once the sign stating 'Disabled badge holders only' has been installed at the bay allocated for your use, it will be legally enforceable and you can report any vehicle parked within it without displaying a valid Blue Badge to our Traffic Management Centre. The TMC is open between 7am and 10pm seven days a week (including Bank Holidays but excluding Christmas Day).
Should you wish to report a vehicle parked within an enforceable disabled parking bay without displaying a valid Blue Badge please call 023 9268 8289 or 023 9268 8290. Upon calling, the operator will take details of the disabled parking bay location and ask a Civil Enforcement Officer to attend the bay at the earliest convenience. If the reported vehicle is not displaying a valid Blue Badge, the CEO will issue a Penalty Charge Notice to it (Please note that we are unable to remove a vehicle from a bay, we can only issue it with a parking ticket).
My Disabled Parking Bay Permit is due to expire, how do I renew it?
A permit renewal letter will be sent to you approximately 30 days before the expiry date of your current permit.
I have a Disabled Parking Bay Permit and have changed my car, how do I get a new permit?
If you change your vehicle, we will require the Disabled Parking Bay Permit from the previous vehicle, proof of address (such as a recent utility bill/driving licence etc) and proof of the new vehicle (vehicle registration document or Motability agreement) to issue a new permit. Please be advised that a fee of £17.50 is payable upon the issue of a new permit. You can change your permit details in person at the above address or by post. (please make cheques/postal orders payable to 'Portsmouth City Council'. Do not send cash by post.)
