Blue Badge
The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems who find it difficult to use public transport. Holders of this badge can park closer to their destination.
We only issue Blue Badges to those who meet the eligibility criteria, not to family members, carers or friends. The badge can be used in any car the badge holder is driving or is a passenger in.
You will qualify if
- are registered blind
- receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement
- receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
- in receipt of 8 points or more under the 'Moving Around' activity of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- specifically scores 10 points in their PIP for “planning and following a journey” - for descriptor E (cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress)
- receive a lump sum from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme at tariff 1-8 and have been assessed by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency as being unable or virtually unable to walk
You may qualify if
- have an enduring and substantial disability that prevents you from walking, or makes walking very difficult
- drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms, and are unable to operate all or some types of parking meters, or would find it very difficult to operate them
- experience considerable difficulty whilst walking which may include considerable psychological distress (hidden disabilities)
- are at serious risk of harm when walking or pose, when walking, a risk of serious harm to any other person (hidden disabilities)
Children under 3 may qualify if they:
- must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around without great difficulty
- need to be kept near a vehicle at all times, so that they can be treated in the vehicle or quickly driven to a place where they can be treated (such as a hospital)
Blue Badges for organisations
If you're an organisation caring for disabled people and meet the above criteria, you may be entitled to a badge, but this is entirely at our discretion. If you'd like an application form, email or call 0207 525 2146 or 0300 300 3602 (find out about call charges)
Assessments
You may be invited to attend a face to face appointment to assess whether you qualify for a badge. This assessment is free of charge.
The appointment will assess whether you meet the legal rules for a Blue Badge and will not be assessing your general health.
Apply online
You can apply for a Blue Badge for yourself or for someone else online.
Cost of a Blue Badge
- £10 per badge (you'll need to pay with a credit / debit card)
We now charge for each badge issued, including renewals and replacements for lost or stolen badges.
Get help completing an application
If you need help with completing an online Blue Badge application, please contact MySouthwark service point, who will be able to book an appointment to assist.
Page last updated: 17 November 2023
