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Q. What is the Blue Badge Scheme?
The Blue Badge Scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers. The Scheme also applies to registered blind people and people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand. It allows badge holders to park close to their destination, but the national concessions apply only to on-street parking.
The Blue Badge Scheme is effectively a replacement for the orange badge scheme. The new European style Blue Badge was introduced in April 2000.
As existing badges come up for renewal or as new applications are processed the Blue Badge will be issued. Orange badges will continue to be recognized until 31 March 2003.
Q. Who is Eligible for a Blue Badge?
You can get a badge if:
You receive a higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
You receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
You use a motor vehicle supplied to disabled people by a Government Health Department
You are registered blind
You have a severe disability on both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand or that wheel is fitted with a turning knob
You have a permanent and substantial disability, which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking. In this case you may be asked to answer a series of questions to help the Local Authority determine whether you are eligible for a badge. People with a psychological disorder will not normally qualify unless their impairment causes very considerable, and not intermittent, difficulty in walking.
Children under two years of age do not qualify for a badge because they would not normally be expected to be able to walk independently.
Similar badges given to organisations caring for disabled people must not be used by non-disabled members for their own benefit. These badges must not be on display except when the vehicle is being used for the benefit of disabled people.
Q. I Have Two Cars, Can I have Two Blue Badges?
No the badge can be transferred into whichever car the badge holder is travelling in.
Q. Can I have a Blue Badge for a Temporary Condition?
No. Badges are only provided for those with a substantial and permanent disability.
Q. If I Move Out of Oldham Do I Need to Do Anything?
You can continue to use the badge but, approximately one month before it expires contact your local Social Services Department who will advise you how to obtain a new badge.
Q. Do I Automatically Receive a New Badge When My Current One Expires?
You will be notified approximately three weeks before expiry and will be sent a renewal application form and explanatory letter.
Q. Do I Have to Send Two Photographs?
Yes two photographs must be sent with your application form.
Q. Can I use the badge to shop for the disabled person (the badge holder)?
No. The badge can only be used when the badge holder is travelling in the car.
Q. How will I know where I can use the badge?
When the badge is sent to you, you will also receive a booklet informing you when and how to use the badge. If you need any further information you must contact:
Blue Badge Scheme
Unit J Prince of Wales Ind. Unit
Vulcan St
Oldham
OL1 4ER
Tel: 0161 770 3806
Q. Is there a charge for a Blue Badge?
Yes. We ask you to pay £2 administration fee. You will also need to supply two current sized passport photographs.
Q. How long will it take to get the badge?
If you do not automatically qualify for the badge it may take longer to process your form but this will be done as quickly as possible. You do not need to contact your doctor as this will be done by the Authority. If you do automatically qualify you will receive your badge promptly.
Q. How long does the badge last for?
Three years. If you still need it after that time you can apply for a new one. Please inform us if you change address.
For further information and an application form please contact:
Blue Badge Scheme
Unit J Prince of Wales Ind. Unit
Vulcan
St
Oldham
OL1 4ER
Tel: 0161 770 3806
Q. How Do I Apply for a Blue Badge?
Telephone 0161 770 3806 or call in at the Civic Centre Reception or Alternatively you can download an application form directly.