Introduction
This is a National Government Scheme administered locally by Social Services.
The European style Blue Badge Scheme replaced the well known Orange Badge Scheme on 1st April 2000.
Orange badges are no longer recognised as valid.
The badge provides parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or as passengers. The badge belongs to the person, not the car, so it can be used for any car in which the disabled person is travelling. You do not have to drive your own car, it can be very useful to people who are driven occasionally by relatives or friends.
back to top
Concessions for Badge Holders
Details of where you may or may not park are explained in the leaflet provided with your application form; it also covers the arrangements for when you travel abroad. Most car parks provide dedicated disabled badge parking places, for example, near the car park exits. Be aware, although some car parks offer free parking to badge holders this is not always the case, so check the details on the charges board before you leave the car park.
back to top
How to apply for a Blue Badge
An explanatory leaflet of the scheme is available from the Department of Transport.
To apply for a Blue Badge call Social Services Norfolk County Council on 0844 800 8015, or the Breckland Council Contact Centre on 01362 656 870.
back to top
Blue Badge Application process
The application form needs to be completed and returned to Social Services with the correct fee and two passport sized photographs signed on the back. Don't forget to sign the form.
- If you meet any of the conditions in Part B of the form you will be issued the badge automatically.
- If not, you will probably be sent a medical form which you must take to your GP who will complete and return it to Social Services.
- If you meet the criteria (see Department of Transport - Blue Badge advisory leaflet) you will then be issued with a badge.
- If not your fee and photographs will be returned to you.
Your badge lasts for three years and a renewal notice will be issued automatically about six weeks before the expiry date.
If you move during that time, do not forget to tell the issuing office your new address. If you move to a different county, your badge will still be valid but you will have to reapply to the new local authority when it expires.
Badges may also be issued to organisations that regularly carry disabled people in their vehicles. This is at the discretion of the local authority.
back to top
Taking Care of Your Blue Badge
Do not allow others to use your badge, misuse of the badge is a serious offence.
If your badge is lost or stolen, you should report it to the Police. You will have to re-apply for a new badge, pay a further fee and supply two new photographs.
back to top
DOWNLOADS
You will need the Adobe Reader sofware to view these documents, it is available by clicking this link that will open in a new browser window - you can close that window after the download and our website will still be available for you to browse.
Blue Badge advisory leaflet
Department for Transport, Blue Badge advisory leaflet
| 
