Adult and Community Services can issue car-parking concessions (known as blue badges) to help people whose disability makes it impossible for them to visit shops, public buildings and other places unless they are allowed to park close to where they are going.
The scheme is a national one for drivers or passengers who have severe, permanent walking difficulties. It also applies to passengers who are registered blind and to people who drive a vehicle but have very severe disabilities affecting their arms and who cannot turn a steering wheel by hand.
The badge can be used in any vehicle as long as you are travelling in it.
If you have a blue badge you can benefit from a wide range of concessions relating to parking and travel. Parking concessions are different in each town and city so you should check notices carefully before you park.
If you are granted a blue badge you will also be sent a guide on how to use it written by the Department of Transport. The guide also gives more details about national concessions applying to blue badge holders.
People who are blind.
People who have a permanent and substantial disability, which makes walking impossible or very difficult.
People who receive a mobility allowance; or a war pensioners’ mobility supplement or the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance; or a grant towards their own vehicle.
People who use a vehicle supplied by a government department.
Drivers whose disability means that they are unable to turn a steering wheel by hand.
Parents of a disabled child over two and under 16 can apply for a badge on their child’s behalf. Children under two years old do not qualify for a badge because they would not normally be expected to walk independently.
Badges can also be issued to an organisation which transports disabled people.
If you don’t qualify under these rules you may still qualify under our discretionary rules. To find out if you do you will need to contact your doctor.
Contact Adult and Community Services on 0161 770 3806 and ask for an application for a blue badge.
Yes, a £2 administration fee. You will also need to supply two current, passport-sized photographs.
The badge will usually be issued within 28 days of receiving your application and, if necessary, a form completed by your doctor.
Three years. We will write to you approximately a month before your badge needs renewing. Please inform us if you change your address.
Blue Badge Scheme
Unit J Prince of Wales Ind. Unit
Vulcan St
Oldham
OL1 4ER
Phone: 0161 770 3806
Fax: 0161 770 3808
Email: bluebadge@oldham.gov.uk
If you look after a relative or friend who needs support to live at home you are a carer. As a carer you have the right to ask Adult and Community Services to carry out a carer's assessment (this applies even if the person you care for is not receiving help from Adult and Community Services). Your carer’s assessment is your chance to talk about your needs and is your opportunity to tell us about the things that could make caring easier for you.
There are a variety of services available to carers following an assessment including; advice & information, short breaks & respite, additional services to the person you care for, signposting to voluntary & health services, introduction to support groups.
Oldham Carers Centre The Link Centre
Union Street
Oldham
OL1 1DZ
Phone: 0161 770 1188
Fax: 0161 770 4789
Email: carers.centre@oldham.gov.uk