Will I be notified when my Blue Badge is due to expire?
No. It is the responsibility of the Blue Badge holder to keep an eye on the expiry date of their badge. The expiry date is very clearly marked on the badge.
What do I do with my expired Blue Badge?
Please return your expired blue badge to:
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Blue Badge
PO Box 7382
DY1 9LL
When should I apply to renew my Blue Badge
You should submit an application to renew a Blue Badge 6 to 8 weeks before it expires.
Can a Blue Badge holder remain in a car displaying a Blue Badge while somebody goes to the shops for them?
No. The purpose of a Blue Badge is to enable badge holders to access places that they wouldn’t be able to if they couldn’t park close by. If the badge holder is to remain in the car then there is no reason why the car can’t be parked in a normal parking space. It would also be blocking a space for another badge holder who needs to use the space to access somewhere nearby.
For example, if the Blue Badge holder were to remain in the car while another person in the car gets out to go to a shop, then the other person would be benefiting from the Blue Badge. This is a criminal offence and could carry a penalty of up to £1000.
Can I lend my Blue Badge to somebody else if they are running an errand for me?
No. A Blue Badge can only be used when the Blue Badge holder is getting the direct benefit of being able to park close to their destination.
Can I use my Blue Badge in a parent and child parking bay?
Dudley Council does not have any Parent and Child parking bays. You should always check with the organisation that enforces the parking regulations in each specific car park.
I need to be able to open my car doors very wide to get in and out because of problems with my legs. Can I get a Blue Badge for this?
We recognise the benefit of being able to open car doors fully to make getting in and out of the car easier. However, the Department for Transport have specifically advised that Blue Badges cannot be issued for this reason. As a local authority we are unable to override this ruling.
If I have a problem that means I need to get to public toilets immediately, would I be eligible for a Blue Badge?
No. The Department for Transport have specifically advised that this issue may not be taken into consideration when assessing a person’s eligibility for a Blue Badge. Dudley Council is not able to override this ruling.
Will I need to be medically assessed if I apply for a Blue Badge?
If you are invited to an assessment then this is in respect of your mobility. It is not a medical examination.
The assessment will be made up of time talking to the assessor about your health, medical conditions, how you normally manage to get out and about, and other issues regarding how you may meet the criteria for a Blue Badge. You may also be asked to go for a short walk with the assessor for them to observe how you walk.
It is very important that you are honest during the assessment as a person who gets a Blue Badge by providing false or misleading information could be prosecuted and receive a fine of up to £5000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
Who will assess me?
The assessments are carried out by Occupational Therapy staff employed by Dudley Council.
Do I need to contact my GP or medical professional to apply for a Blue Badge?
No. Doctors are not able to approve or issue Blue Badges. All applications must be made to the Blue Badge Team at Dudley Council.
Medical information, such as prescriptions or letters about your health conditions, can be useful to the assessors when making a decision about your eligibility for a Blue Badge. You are welcome to send copies of such information with your application form or bring them to an assessment. If further medical information is required by the assessors, they may ask you to request this from medical staff involved with your health care.
If you are applying for a Blue Badge on the basis of a non-visible (hidden) condition, you will need to provide supporting medical documentation with your application from a specialist medical professional supporting you.
Specialist medical professionals include clinical psychologists, educational psychologists, neurologists, occupational therapists or psychiatrists.
What would happen if I got caught using somebody else's Blue Badge?
Misuse or fraudulent use of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence. You could be prosecuted, have a criminal record and face a fine of up to £1000.
Do I need to be car driver to apply for a Blue Badge?
No. A Blue Badge is for a person who travels in a vehicle as either a driver or a passenger. A Blue Badge holder is able to display the badge in any vehicle they travel in.
Who do you share my information with?
We share the information you provide us with when you apply for a Blue Badge with a number of parties. Our privacy notice explains who we share your information with and why.