What is the Blue Badge scheme?
The European Blue Badge was introduced in April 2000 to replace the Orange Badge, which could only be used in Great Britain.
The Blue Badge Scheme is available to people who have severe walking difficulties, people who are registered blind, and people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle, but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand.
The Scheme allows the badge holder to take advantage of disabled motorists parking privileges whenever they are travelling, as a driver or passenger, anywhere within the European Union. The concessions are subject to certain rules and restrictions, and these will be explained when the badge is issued.
Qualifying for a blue badge
The Blue Badge Scheme in Hounslow is administered by the council’s transport inclusion unit who issue badges in accordance with guidelines and regulations provided by the Department for Transport.
We can provide information and guidance on the scheme, information about your application and its progress, advice on who is eligible for a Blue Badge; help with completing forms and with understanding Disabled Living Allowance status. We can also advise traffic wardens and police regarding misuse of badges.
Evidence required for applications
ALL applicants must supply:
- Photocopies of the evidence that you are receiving the benefit (if applicable)
- Two recently taken passport-style/size photographs. Please make sure that you written your full name and signed the back of both photographs
- Cheque/postal order for £2 made payable to London Borough of Hounslow (no cash)
- Proof of address
If you are renewing a badge, you must return the old one.
Please do not send cash or original documents to us in the post
If your application is successful, we will send you a badge by post. If your application is unsuccessful we will write to inform you and you will have the opportunity to appeal against the decision. If we do not issue you with a badge, we will not refund your £2.00 or return your photographs.
Blue Badge cost
There is an application fee of £2.
Blue Badge users
The Blue Badge is issued to a person, not a vehicle. This means the badge holder may use the concessions whenever he/she travels as a driver or passenger, regardless of who owns the vehicle.
Only the person to whom the badge has been issued may use the concessions, that is to say, the badge holder must be in the vehicle when the concession is being claimed.
Note: -The only time that someone else may use the badge, without the holder being in the vehicle, is if they are dropping off or picking up the badge holder. The badge must be removed from display as soon as the vehicle leaves the area, which is accessible only to vehicles displaying the badge.
Warning - It is a criminal offence for someone other than the badge holder to use the Blue Badge. If they do, they are liable to a fine up to £1,000. The Blue Badge can be withdrawn if the holder misuses it or allows other to misuse it.
Blue Badge validity
Blue Badges are issued for three years. We will no longer be sending out reminders when badges are due for renewal so it will be up to you to re-apply for a new one. We recommend you apply for your renewal at least 6 weeks before the expiry date.
Change of address
You may continue to use your Blue Badge. If you move to another Hounslow borough address, we would ask that you let us know your new address so that we can update our records.
If you move away from Hounslow borough, you will need to apply to your new local authority for a new badge when the current one expires.
Lost or stolen Blue Badges
You should report the matter to the police - Blue Badges are valuable in the wrong hands. If the badge was issued by Hounslow Council, contact us on 020 8583 3073 as soon as possible.
You may request a replacement badge under these circumstances. You will be asked to fill in a lost/stolen form. You will need to provide two recently taken passport style/size photographs of yourself that must be signed by you on the back. You will be asked to pay an administrative fee of £2 to cover the issue of the badge.
- Download Blue Bade lost/stolen form (
PDF Help, size 40kb)
If you have been given a replacement badge and the lost or stolen badge is then found or recovered, do not use it, it must be returned to us so that it can be destroyed.
Organisation/nursing Blue Badge applications
The Blue Badge scheme may in special circumstances accommodate institutions that provide travel for disabled persons that meet the criteria. However these badges are issued entirely at our discretion. It is the responsibility of an institution to ensure that any Blue Badge issued to it is used correctly and in accordance with the law.
Applying Institutions
We are only able to issue you with a badge if the passengers you carry meet the automatic or discretionary criteria detailed. You will therefore be required to provide supportive information and the appropriate evidence. Your application will be assessed in the same manner as individual applications. It is our policy that one badge will be issued where there are fifteen people or less who meet the criteria. Where more than fifteen people qualify additional badges may be considered. It may be necessary to obtain a documentary evidence of the function your organisation performs.
Return of Badges
If you are issued with a blue badge but circumstances change and you have a situation where no one qualifies you must return the Badge to the Service Centre immediately.
To apply for an institutional badge please complete the Institution Application Form and return it to our office.
- Download Blue Badge institutional application form ( PDF Help, size 113kb)
Blue Badge parking spaces
You will not be able to use your Blue Badge everywhere. The scheme does not automatically apply in off street car parks, although many provide designated spaces. Furthermore, the scheme may not apply in certain town centres where access is limited. Your Blue Badge is also valid within the EU and some other countries, but parking concessions can vary from country to country.
You can find information on using your Blue Badge abroad from the DFT website.
ALWAYS read the signs wherever you choose to park as parking rules may vary.
Contact us
Transport Inclusion Unit
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN