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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).

Parking on yellow lines

If no bays are available, park on yellow lines for three hours with a blue badge and clock (set to time of arrival).

Blue badge holders may not park in reserved spaces like taxi bays and loading only.

This is in our Traffic Regulation Orders and reflected in Department for Transport guidance in the Blue Badge Scheme: rights and responsibilities booklets.

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)