Bexleyheath Blue Badge and Accessible Parking: How to Apply and Where Badge Holders Can Park

This guide covers the Blue Badge scheme as the London Borough of Bexley and GOV.UK describe it. Eligibility is set by national rules, so use the links below for your own situation.

How do I apply for or renew a Blue Badge?

The council's how to apply or renew page says you apply through Inspire Community Trust if you have a health condition, including a hidden disability, or difficulty walking, whether you are a driver or a passenger. You can apply or renew online, and if you need help you can visit Inspire Living Solutions and Mobility Shop, 50 High Street, Sidcup, DA14 6EH.

The council says:

• you do not have to give medical information, but it can help; if you do not qualify automatically, you will be met and assessed on how your disability affects your walking
• badges are free, but there is a £10 administration charge on applying, refunded if you do not qualify
• if you get a badge you must pick it up in person, even when renewing
• badges can be used by anyone over the age of two

Inspire Community Trust says it handles the assessment process on behalf of the London Borough of Bexley, and lists the documents typically required: photo ID, proof of Bexley address from the last three months, a passport-style photo, a National Insurance number and any benefit award letters, plus medical information where relevant.

GOV.UK says a badge usually lasts up to three years, that you must reapply before the current one expires, and that councils usually decide within 12 weeks.

Who is eligible?

The council says you automatically qualify if you:

• get the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, or point 8 or above for moving around under Personal Independence Payment, with at least eight months to run when you apply
• are registered severely sight impaired (blind)
• get the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement

You might qualify if you have a permanent and substantial disability that makes walking very difficult or impossible, or a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly and find it hard to use a parking meter. Parents of a child under three may apply if the child has a condition that means they need to be near a vehicle at all times. Inspire's page also lists a hidden disability route and a route where walking puts you or others at risk of serious harm.

Where can badge holders park in Bexleyheath?

The council's car parks and street parking page says:

• in its car parks, parking is free and unlimited for disabled badge holders, who can use the disabled bays or any other bay, provided the badge is correctly displayed
• at on-street pay-to-park locations, parking is free for badge holders in all pay-to-park bays and residential permit bays, provided the badge is correctly displayed

The council's misuse page adds that in Bexley badge holders may park in residents' bays but not where loading or unloading restrictions are shown by yellow kerb dashes or signs on plates. GOV.UK's rights and responsibilities guide explains that on yellow lines or other places with a time restriction you must display the blue parking clock showing your time of arrival.

Which car parks serve Bexleyheath town centre and Bexley village is covered in our parking guide. The Broadway Shopping Centre's own car park is run by the centre, so check its pages for any concessions.

What are the rules on using a badge?

The council says the badge is for the use and benefit only of the person it was issued to. Its four key rules are that badge holders must never let friends or relatives use it to run an errand for them, that it should be displayed only when the holder is travelling in the vehicle or being picked up or dropped off, that a visitor should not use it unless they have parked to pick up the holder, and that the holder should not wait in the car while someone else goes shopping. The council says misuse is a criminal offence that could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge.

Can I get a disabled bay outside my home?

The council has an application for a disabled persons parking bay. To apply you must be the driver of a vehicle registered to the address with a valid licence and access to the vehicle at all times, have no off-street parking at the property and hold a valid Blue Badge.