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FAQs about blue badge and disabled parking

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

If you need to get in touch you can:

• call us on 023 9284 1176
• email bluebadges@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
• write to us at
  Parking Service, Alec Rose Lane, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2BX

I don’t drive, can I still apply for a Blue Badge?

Yes, you don't have to be a car driver to qualify.

Can I have a temporary Blue Badge?

No, people with temporary disabilities, such as a broken leg for example, will not qualify for a badge.

Can I have two Blue Badges?

No, under Department of Transport legislation only one badge is issued per person for their personal use.

Do I have to send original letters or certificates as proof that I receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance?

No, please send photocopies only not the originals.

I am registered partially sighted, will I automatically qualify for a Blue Badge?

No, a registration as partially sighted does not automatically qualify you for a Blue Badge. Only a blind registration gives automatic entitlement.

I receive the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, will I automatically qualify for a Blue Badge?

No, only the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance gives automatic entitlement.

I receive a War Pension, will I automatically qualify for a Blue Badge?

Only the War Pensioners’ mobility supplement gives automatic entitlement, a photocopy of proof will be required with your application.

I do not meet the automatic qualification criteria, can I still apply for a Blue Badge?

Yes, if you do not meet the automatic qualification criteria we will contact your medical practitioner. Thi is so that we can obtain evidence of the extent of your disability and how it affects your mobility to enable us to assess your application.

Can I have a Blue Badge for my baby?

A parent of a child who is less than two years old may apply for a badge for their child, if the child has a specific medical condition which means that they:

It is not possible to provide a passport-sized photograph, what should I do?

We can accept other photographs as long as we can ‘cut’ the perso applying out of the photograph. We cannot accept photographs full face if the photograph is 6 inches x 4 inches as it is impossible to reduce this to 2 inches x 2 inches.

Can I sign the application form on behalf of my wife/husband/son/daughter?

Yes, he application form can be signed on behalf of the applicant, by a designated member of the family or a friend.

How long will it take to process my application?

We will make every effort to deal with your application as quickly as possible. However due to the high number of applications received and the work involved in processing them, please allow up to 28 days after all information relating to the application has been received. Applications for duplicate blue badges will usually be processed within 7 days.

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

Yes, in exceptional circumstances we may reconsider applications that have not been approved. If you would like to appeal, please tell us why in writing and send it to us at the addres abve

I have relatives coming to stay for a holiday from USA/Canada/Australia with a wheelchair, can they have a temporary Blue Badge?

No, there are no temporary badges issued.

Can I use my Blue Badge when I go to Europe and other countries?

The Blue Badge is recognised throughout the European Union (EU). This means that you can take advantage of the parking concessions available in all other EU countries. Please refer to the Rights and Responsibilities booklet issued with your Blue Badge for country specific information.

Please be advised that there are no current arrangements for you to use your badge outside the European Union, in countries such as the USA, Australia or Canada.             

The badge holder recently died, what should I do with their Blue Badge?

Please return it to us. A letter is not necessary but we do need a note of the date of death so that we can amend the records. You may keep the photograph if you wish.

What do I do if I have lost my Blue Badge?

If you have lost your badge you must report it as lost/stolen to the Police (even if it has been lost at home) then wait three days in case it is handed in. If it is not returned, please call us on the number above and we will arrange for an application for a duplicate badge to be sent to you.

What do I do if my Blue Badge has faded?

Should the details on your badge become faded, please call us on the number above. You should check your badge regularly to ensure that all details remain legible.

I have changed my address, do I need to inform you?

Yes, if you change your address please inform us as soon as possible as failure to do so may result in any correspondence, for example your renewal application form, being sent to the incorrect address.

My Blue Badge is due to expire, how do I obtain a new one?

We will automatically send a renewal application form to you approximately one month before it is due to expire. If you have not received a renewal application form within two weeks of the date that your badge is due to expire, please contact us on the number above. 

I want to complain about abuse of a Blue Badge, is this possible?

Yes, it is important to us that we receive notification of any abuse of the scheme. We will investigate the matter and consider what action, if any, can be taken. If you suspect misuse of a badge please contact us and provide as much information as possible, such as the Blue Badge serial number and expiry date, details of the vehicle in which the badge is being displayed and the location of the vehicle.

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