Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge scheme allows people who have difficulty getting about to park their cars close to the facilities and services that they need to use.  They last for three years and need to be renewed.

How do I get a Blue Badge?

Anyone aged over two years old automatically qualifies for a Blue Badge if they:

• are registered blind
• are receiving a War Pensioner’s Mobility supplement
• are receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
• are aged 16-64 and receive 8 points or more under the ‘Moving Around’ activity of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment because they cannot stand and walk (aided or unaided) more than 50 metres
• have a terminal illness and hold a DS1500 report from your GP or the MacMillan Nursing Trust
• are certified by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• use a motor vehicle for disabled people supplied by a government health department
• have a severe disability in both upper limbs and regularly drive a motor vehicle and either cannot operate or have considerable difficulty operating all or some type of parking meter (for example, due to a thalidomide related disability)
• under 2 years of age and have a condition that requires that you must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment, or must remain close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment
• enduring psychological or mental disability

What if I don’t qualify for a blue badge?

If you do not automatically qualify you eligibility will need to be assessed by Newcastle City Council. They will decide if you can have a Blue Badge. The council might also ask you to be assessed by an independent mobility assessor, like an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

Government guidance states that only a PIP score of 10 under Descriptor E meets Blue Badge eligibility. A higher score or 12 points under Descriptor F will not meet the criteria for automatic eligibility.

Community Health & Social Care Direct (formerly Adult Social Care Direct) may be able to help if you need advice or support with health care and equipment. Contact them to request an assessment.

How do I apply for a Blue badge?

To apply for or renew your blue badge you will need:

• an electronic photograph of yourself
• your National Insurance (NI) number
• an email address
• proof of your address, such as a council tax bill
• proof of who you are, such as a passport or birth certificate
• proof of any benefit or registration as severely sight impaired that proves you qualify
• information and proof of any medical conditions, treatment or diagnosis to support your application

If you are renewing your badge, please remember to apply at least 6 weeks before your current one expires to make sure you get your new one in time.

Apply online at www.gov.uk

Contact Blue badge scheme at Newcastle City Council.  You can apply online and upload documents or email them with additional information [email protected]

Cost and how to pay

£10 which can be paid online once you have met the criteria.

Additional Information

Blue Badges may also be available for organisations that care for and transport disabled people, who would themselves meet one or more of the eligibility criteria.

If you have a Blue Badge you can apply for an exemption account for using the Tyne Tunnel.

Last updated: June 29, 2022