Overview
- Official guidance warns that failing to return an ineligible badge or continuing to display it can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
- Recent reminders list places where parking is not allowed at any time, including clearways, school keep-clear zones, pedestrian crossings, bus or cycle lanes, loading bays, and spaces reserved for residents or taxis.
- Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that authorities can mark bays for specific purposes and operate voluntary local permit schemes, with costs and rules decided by each council.
- Applications are handled by local councils and typically require a digital photo plus proof of identity, address and, where relevant, benefits, with fees up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland and free in Wales for badges usually valid up to three years.
- Eligibility was widened in 2019 to include hidden disabilities such as Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy, and government data indicates around 3.2 million people currently hold badges.