The four precautions Blue Badge holders must take when parking to avoid £130 fine
The four precautions Blue Badge holders must take when parking to avoid £130 fine
Experts say that, contrary to popular belief, the blue badge scheme does not allow drivers to park anywhere
There are a wide range of conditions and restrictions
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto )
Blue badge holders have been warned that they could potentially be fined £130 when parking if four proper precautions aren't taken. Experts say that, contrary to popular belief, the blue badge scheme does not allow drivers to park anywhere.
There are a wide range of conditions and restrictions and these can vary by factors such as the location you are parking in or the time of day. Drivers also need to use the badge correctly to be entitled to accessible locations or payment-free parking.
Matt Fieldhouse, group managing director and accessible car expert at Mobility in Motion , explained that badge holders need to check these four things before parking to avoid a potential £130 fine.
Acknowledge regional parking differences
Mr Fieldhouse said: 'While the Blue Badge scheme is valid for parking across the whole of the UK, it is important to note that not every area will have the same rules.
"For example, if you are travelling to London, there are different local regulations to follow when it comes to specific boroughs, including: City of London, e.g. Blue Badge holders cannot park on double yellow lines in this area. City of Westminster - the blue badge scheme doesn't apply here due to huge amounts of congestion and high parking demand. Kensington and Chelsea - again, the scheme isn't upheld here due to large amounts of congestion.
"Outside of London, there are also different regulations that blue badge holders must check before parking at popular holiday destinations:
"While Lake District car parks do have Blue Badge holder spaces, their charges apply to all vehicles - including those with Blue Badges. However, they do also allow an extra hour for blue badge holders.
"When visiting the Cotswolds, valid Blue Badge holders may park free of charge in most of the Cotswold District Council car parks up to the maximum stay of that car park. The one car park they must pay to park in, however, is the Market Square car park in Chipping Campden.
"It is crucial that you check first where you can park with a Blue Badge on the government website to prevent a parking ticket, or on the local council's website if you're parking in Scotland.'
Never assume you can park anywhere
Mr Fieldhouse said: 'Private land (like airports or hospital car parks) often have their own rules. Some car parks or town centres may offer free parking for badge holders, but you should always check local signage or the council website before relying on this.
"Ultimately, you still have to abide by the Highway Code. For example, Blue Badge holders cannot park in loading bays, where parking is only for certain people, e.g. the people who live or work there, bus stops, school 'keep clear' areas, bus, tram or cycle lanes - Blue Badge holders cannot drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation, where there are double white lines in the middle of the road, or where there is a parking meter, but it is out of use."
Parking on double yellow lines without the clock can cost you £80
The expert explained: 'Blue Badge holders can park on double yellow lines for up to 3 hours if there are no other restrictions, such as a loading ban. However, you should never forget to display your parking clock clearly showing your 15-minute arrival time.
Once drivers leave the spot, they must wait at least one hour before parking in the same place again. Failing to do these things can result in fines of up to £80.'
Always remember to display the badge properly - or risk £130
He added: 'Make sure that the blue badge is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. It is important to remember that the front-side of the badge should permanently be on show, not the photo side. An incorrectly displayed badge can result in a parking fine, even if the driver is entitled to be there - costing UK drivers up to £130, if they're parking in London.
"Important note: Police officers, traffic wardens and some other people may ask to see your blue badge at any point. This also includes civil enforcement officers, who may be in plain clothes.
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While you do have to show your blue badge to these members of authority upon request, you do also have the right to ask them for their ID first.'
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