You are eligible for a Car Badge if you:
- Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
- Receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Use a motor vehicle supplied for disabled people by a Government Health Department
- Are registered blind
- Have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob
- Have a permanent and substantial disability, which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking.
Children under the age of two years of age do not qualify for a parking badge as they would not normally be expected to walk independently.
How to apply for a Parking Badge
If you live in the Borough of Darlington and you think you may be entitled to a badge, you should apply to Darlington Adult Social Services.
Download and print out the two application forms:
Application Form (PDF document)
Doctors Consent Form (PDF document)
and return the completed application forms to:
The Access and Contact Team
Adult Social Services
Central House
Gladstone Street
Darlington
DL3 6JX
Alternatively you can make an appointment at Central House if you would like assistance with completing the application form.
You will be contacted in due course to progress your application. A letter will be sent to your GP for an opinion on your entitlement if you don't qualify automatically for a badge.
Renewing your badge
For information on lost badges or renewing your badge contact the Access and Contact Team on 01325 346200.
What you can do with your badge
A parking badge holder may park in any designated blue badge parking bay or any charged parking space (on or off street) without payment, providing they are displaying a valid blue badge.
Some short stay car parks may be restricted to 3 hours only free of charge, after which normal charges apply.
Drivers are advised to check the tariff boards next to the machine. A blue badge holder may park for a maximum of 3 hours on single or double yellow lines, providing that their vehicle does not cause an obstruction to other traffic or pedestrians, or where loading is prohibited.
Parking badge holders must not:
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Cause an obstruction – either at any junction or where this may prevent traffic from moving freely along any road.
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Park where a loading or unloading restriction is in operation.
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Park in a taxi rank, loading bay, bus stop clearway or on “School Keep Clear” marking.
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Allow a non-disabled person to use a badge unless the badge holder is in the vehicle (misuse can lead to the badge being withdrawn)