The Blue Badge scheme
The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility
problems. It allows Blue Badge holders to park close to where they
need to go to ensure they have access to public facilities.
To find out more information about the Blue Badge
Scheme, please click on the links below:
Leaflet- Can
I get a Blue Badge
Leaflet -
Blue Badges Rights and Responsibilities
Full details of the scheme are available on the
Department for Transport website at www.dft.gov.uk.
Issuing Blue Badges
The Blue Badge Scheme changed on 1 January
2012
Since 1 January 2012, the Blue Badge scheme is being run by
Northumberland County Council rather than Northumberland Care
Trust.
If you already have a blue badge that is due
to expire, or if you need a replacement badge, you will be applying
under the new modernised scheme. Your new badge will have a new
look and feel and will be more durable and secure. In the majority
of cases it will be valid for three years.
You may be eligible for a badge without further assessment, for
instance if you are on the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the
Disability Living Allowance, but you may also be awarded a Blue
Badge under the further assessment criteria.
You will only need to apply for your new style badge when your
old one expires, or if you have lost it or had it stolen.
Please apply for you new badge at least one month before the old
one expires, as it takes approximately three weeks to process
the application.
To apply
To apply for a blue badge you will need to complete an
application form. This is available from our information centres
(listed below), or by calling us on 0845 600 6400 or by emailing
bluebadges@northumberland.gov.uk.
The form can also be downloaded below.
When your form is complete you can call into one of our
information centres where we can photocopy your evidence for you,
and forward it to the Blue Badge team on your behalf. Please
remember to submit your passport sized photograph with your
application.
Or, you can post your completed form, photocopied evidence,
photograph and cheque to us at: The Blue Badge Team, Northumberland
County Council, County Hall, Morpeth,Northumberland, NE61 2EF.
For more information about the changes
If you would like more information about the Blue Badge reforms
please visit
http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/access/blue-badge/reform-of-the-blue-badge-scheme/
To print off an application pack
Our information centres are at:
Alnwick - Greenwell Lane, Alnwick, NE66 1HB
Ashington -Wansbeck Square, Ashington, NE63
9XL
Bedlington – Front Street West, Bedlington,
NE22 5TU
Berwick - Wallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed,
TD15 1ED
Blyth - Unit 10, Keel Row Centre, Blyth, NE24
1AH
Cramlington -Cramlington Library, Forum Way,
Cramlington, NE23 6YB
Hexham - Hadrian House, Market Street, Hexham,
NE46 3NH
Morpeth - Morpeth Library, Gas House Lane, Low
Stanners, Morpeth, NE61 1TA
Seaton Delaval - Seaton Valley Library, Astley
Community High School, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0DX
Parking for the Disabled
Applying for an on-street disabled parking
bay
The council deals with requests for introducing
on-street disabled parking bays such as:
A disabled parking bay that is available for
use by any holder of a Blue Badge near a hospital, clinic, doctor's
surgery, chemist or other public building; or
An advisory resident disabled parking bay
close to the applicant’s address.
In each case, the parking place will be sited
as near as possible to the relevant building but we have to take
the following into consideration:
- Traffic flow
- The interests of the owners and occupiers of adjoining
properties
- Access to premises
- Road safety
As a Blue Badge holder, to obtain an advisory resident disabled
parking bay a successful application must be made which
demonstrates certain qualification criteria. To qualify for a
disabled parking bay, you must first hold a valid Blue Badge
and:
- Demonstrate a genuine need for the bay requested
- Not have access to private parking within or near the
premises
- Receive the higher rate mobility component of the disability
living allowance
- Drive your own car or nominate a carer who drives you and
resides at your address
- Provide copies of your driving licence and vehicle registration
documents showing your name and address (showing you are a local
resident)
The Application form also needs to be signed
by a doctor or occupational therapist.
An application will take a minimum of three months to
process. The council will make every effort to deal with
applications as quickly as possible however, putting in parking
places involves consultation with local people.
To apply please contact:
Highways Design
Highways & Transport
Northumberland County Council
Morpeth
NE61 2EF
Email: highwaysdesign@northumberland.gov.uk
