Disabled Parking

A blue badge entitles disabled and registered blind people to local parking concessions. It can be used by:

• People with very severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers
• Registered blind people who travel as passengers
• People with very severe disabilities affecting their arms who regularly drive a vehicle, but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand

The badge can not be used for temporary disabilities such as a broken limb or convalescence.

Some people qualify automatically for the badge, while others have to be assessed. Badges can be issued to adults and to children aged two and over. In Hertfordshire the badge is issued through Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services.

Where Blue Badge holders are permitted to park

Blue Badge Holders are permitted to park on single and double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, provided that they do not cause an obstruction across a driveway etc.

They must fully display a Blue badge, showing the expiry date, serial number, issuing authority and a clock, correctly set at the beginning of their stay.

You also risk incurring a Penalty Charge Notice if your Badge is partially obscured, or displayed photograph side up. It should be clearly displayed on the dashboard next to the clock.

In a restricted zone, in designated Disabled Badge holder's bays during the periods specified on zone entry signs or signs adjacent to the bay. (These bays will be specifically signposted for disabled motorists).

In a restricted zone, in shared use (Disabled Badge Holder / Loading and unloading) bays during the periods specified for Disabled Badge Holders on zone entry signs or signs adjacent to the bay. (These bays will be specifically signposted for disabled motorists at particular times).

They may also park in pay and display spaces, free of charge, without time limit if they display fully their Blue Badge. (Unless the bay / bays have been suspended. Suspension Notices will be displayed nearby)

Where Blue Badge holders are NOT permitted to park

They are not permitted to park on double or single yellow lines where there is a loading ban. This will be denoted by kerbside blips and time plates on posts. You cannot park during the hours specified on the time plates.

In addition you may not park at a bus stop, coach bay or a taxi rank, or in a resident/staff permit holder's bay.

You are not permitted to park in a restricted zone containing designated bays other than in the signed Disabled Badge Holders bays provided. The restriction is marked by zone entry signs in addition to the signs adjacent to the bays.

During the hours of a Controlled Parking Scheme (please refer to zone entry signs for the restricted days and times) you are not permitted to park in a permit holders' bay unless you are a resident with a residents permit or a residents visitor with a residents visitor permit. Within the permit holder bays in the controlled parking zones, you may see some "advisory bays" where a disabled symbol is painted on the road. These have been specifically installed for disabled residents who must also display a valid residents permit or voucher. These bays are not intended for use by other disabled motorists who are not resident permit holders.

You are not permitted to park in a pay & display car park, without a valid pay & display voucher.

You are not permitted to park in a free limited wait bay, beyond the maximum stay permitted.

Penalty Charge Notice

If you are given a penalty charge notice when you were parked in an appropriate space it may be for one of the following reasons:

• Because your Blue Badge was not clearly visible or because it was obstructed by your time clock.
• Because the details on your Blue Badge were faded or unreadable. Replacement badges can be obtained from Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services. 
• Because you were not displaying a time clock.
• Because you had exceeded the time noted on your time clock.
• Because your Blue Badge had expired.

Remember you must not park where there is a loading ban in force, at a bus stop or in a permit bay.

If you require any clarification of the above please telephone the Parking Shop on 01923 244611.

Many disabled badge holders are puzzled as to why they have been given a parking ticket. The main reasons that tickets are issued to badge holders are as follows:

• Because both badge and clock have not been fully visible, on the dashboard of the car. Parking attendants must be able to read all of the details including the expiry date, and if the badge has been overlapped by the clock and the details can't be seen a ticket will be issued.
• Because badge holders have parked on a bus stop clearway or on a loading ban. Motorists should check lines and signs at all times. Loading bans are accompanied by marks on the kerb and there will also be a time plate nearby.
• Because they have parked in a bay designated for other road users, for example a taxi rank or loading bay, or for permit holders only. Loading bays are sometimes restricted all day and in other cases only at certain times of the day.  Again, it is advisable to check the signs.

Please remember:

• The badge may only be used if the named badge holder is leaving the car.
• The badge cannot be used by a person doing an errand on behalf of a badge holder.
• The badges should never be left in your car when they are not in use as this makes your car susceptible to theft and possible vandalism.
• Your badge is a valuable commodity and should be looked after carefully.
• Finally, never assume that you can park anywhere, and always be aware of safety for other road users. Please read carefully the instructions that were issued to you when you were given your badge. Your badge does not give you the right to cause danger to other road users.
• The maximum penalty for misuse of a badge is £1,000.

If you have a Blue Badge, you may be eligible to have a Disabled Parking Bay.

We strive to provide you with an open and prompt service.  Our procedures are set out in the relevant pages of The Local Plans Procedures Manual, which are available to download below. 

Procedures for Disabled Parking Bays. DOWNLOAD