Blue Badge use and misuse guidelines
Blue Badge use and misuse guidelines
Where you can use your blue badge and what to do if you suspect someone of misusing their badge.
Where you can use your blue badge
Parking in disabled bays
You can park free in a disabled bay with a valid blue badge. Check signage for any time limits.
In an on-street parking bay
Where there is on-street parking available, blue badge holders may also park here free of charge. You will need to check signage for any time limitations while clearly displaying a valid blue badge.
Parking in council car parks
If no disabled bays are available, park in any bay free with a blue badge and clock (set to the arrival time).
Where you cannot use your blue badge
Blue badge holders may not park in:
- reserved spaces like resident bays, taxi bays and loading bays
- places where a ban on loading or unloading is in force
- pedestrian crossings
- clearways (no stopping)
- a bus stop clearway during its hours of operation
- school ‘keep clear’ markings during the hours shown on a yellow no-stopping plate
- bus, tram or cycle lanes or cycle tracks. Badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation
- where temporary parking restrictions are in force
These are in our Traffic Regulation Orders and reflected in Department for Transport guidance in The Blue Badge Scheme: rights and responsibilities booklet.
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are issued when we believe you have not followed the parking rules.
Your responsibilities as a blue badge holder
The blue badge is for the use and benefit of the badge holder only.
GOV.UK guidance for blue badge holders (PDF)
It is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse your blue badge.
If found misusing, a fine of up to £1,000 could be issued and your badge confiscated.
Reporting blue badge misuse
Email: blue.badges@northumberland.gov.uk
Address:
The Blue Badge Team
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
NE61 2EF
Include the following information:
- the blue badge serial number
- the registration number of the vehicle using the blue badge
- circumstances of the suspected misuse
- date when the suspected misuse took place
- your contact details (although you can make an anonymous report if you prefer)
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