Parking In Nelson

 

The Blue Badge Scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. This enables badge holders to park close to where they need to go (either as a driver or a passenger). The scheme operates throughout the UK.

How can I get a Blue Badge?

Blue Badges are issued by Lancashire County Council. You can apply for a Blue Badge by completing an online application form (external link).

Where can I park with a Blue Badge?

With a Blue Badge correctly displayed on your dashboard (that's with the wheelchair symbol face up and the serial number and expiry date clearly visible from the outside), you can park:

• for up to three hours on single and double yellow lines (please ensure you also correctly set and display your parking clock)
• for an unlimited time in a limited waiting bay (no need to display your parking clock)
• for an unlimited time in a designated disabled parking bay in a short-stay car park (no need to display your parking clock - however, the normal time limit will apply if you park in a standard bay and therefore you will be required to display your parking clock in the usual manner)

Where you cannot park with a Blue Badge

Having a Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere. If you park where it would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users, your vehicle could be removed by the police.

You cannot park:

• on single or double yellow lines if there are kerb markings indicating that a loading ban is in force
• in a residents-only parking bay
• on a hackney carriage (taxi) rank
• on a pedestrian crossing (zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossings), including areas marked by zigzag lines
• on a clearway (no stopping)
• at a bus stop clearway
• on an urban clearway
• on a school "keep clear" marking during the hours shown on the yellow plate
• in a loading bay
• in a bus, tram or cycle lane or a cycle track
• where there are double white lines in the centre of the road (even if one of the lines is broken)
• where temporary parking restrictions are in force, as shown for example by no-waiting cones
• across a dropped kerb
• on a pavement

Misuse of a Blue Badge

Please remember that it is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse your badge, and it can lead to a £1,000 fine. You must never give your Blue Badge to friends or family to allow them to benefit from the parking concessions - including doing something on your behalf such as shopping or collecting a prescription. You must be travelling in the vehicle in order to use the Blue Badge.

Power to inspect your Blue Badge

Police officers, traffic wardens and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect your badge. If any of these people ask to see your badge, you must show it to them. If you do not, you will be breaking the law and you could be fined up to £1,000.

Online services: Apply online for a Blue Badge from Lancashire County Council (external link).

Additional information: More information on the Blue Badge Scheme in Lancashire (external link).

You can also find information on the Department for Transport website (external link).

Download a copy of the Department for Transport's booklet The Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England (external link).