New Blue Badge parking space finder to help millions of people across UK
While the chances of every Blue Badge holder trying to use all 63,000 parking spaces at the same time is unlikely to happen, the grim reality is that Blue Badge parking space s are not always available when someone needs to use one.
To help permit holders find Blue Badge bays in any part of the country - particularly handy if you're travelling somewhere unfamiliar - Confused.com has created an online tool to help people find them, just by entering a postcode.
Blue Badge holders and parking bays across UK
As of 2024, the number of Blue Badge spaces and permit holders across the UK, includes:
Scotland
Number of Blue Badge holders: 271,966
Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 16,808
England
Number of Blue Badge holders: 2,635,428
Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 43,604
Wales
Number of Blue Badge holders: 219,614
Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 2,588
Northern Ireland
Number of Blue Badge holders: 149,038
Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: Not available
When it comes to the number of Blue Badge spaces available for those who need them, it's also important to be aware of the growing number of people wrongly using the designated parking spot. There have been 705,310 PCNs (Penalty Charge Notices) distributed for the misuse of Blue Badge parking bays.
Blue badges are designed to make life easier for people with mobility issues, but for many, finding a space can sometimes be tricky.
A Confused.com survey found that a third (36%) of Blue Badge holders said they have turned up somewhere needing to park, only to find someone without a Blue Badge already in the space. Around the same number (34%) said there simply aren't enough accessible spaces in their area.
When there's no space available, two-thirds (65%) said they have had no choice but to park in a standard space. But that doesn't always work - especially when extra room is needed to get out of the car. Worryingly, two-in-five (40%) have even had to leave a car park altogether because there were no accessible bays free.
A third (36%) said they have avoided visiting certain places because they weren't sure they'd be able to park nearby.
In response to their findings, Confused.com have created a look-up tool to help Blue Badge holders find out how many designated parking bays are available in their local council area.
Users can also use the tool to look up Blue Badge spaces in their area using the map online here.
Commenting on the findings, Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, said: 'Blue Badge parking spaces are essential for millions of drivers across the UK, but our latest research shows how easily that system struggles.
'This is especially highlighted when there isn't enough availability, and other drivers take advantage of the spaces. Shockingly, for every one Blue Badge parking bay in the UK, there are 52 permit holders who need access to it.
'If you're using a Blue Badge space without needing one, even for just a few minutes, you could be stopping someone from being able to work, shop, or attend a medical appointment. It's clear that more needs to be done, both to increase the number of accessible bays and to prevent misuse.
'If you're caught using a Blue Badge space without a permit, you could receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) costing between £70 and £100.'
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Daily Record
7 days ago
- Daily Record
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The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
Full list of July freebies and discounts you can claim worth £1,000s if you're on PIP
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North Wales Live
23-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Traffic bans to be enforced on two streets outside North Wales schools
Traffic bans are set to be enforced on two streets in a North Wales town. Conwy council has announced the plans for the roads in Colwyn Bay. It is part of a Schools Street pilot. This is aimed at cutting air pollution near schools as well as making them safer. For the pilot - which starts today for one street - the roads will close for around an hour at drop-off and pick up times. There will be council officers on hand to enforce the traffic bans. The first closure is on Combermere Road - used by pupils of public school Rydal Penrhos. It will be blocked off from Queens Drive to its junction with Pwllychrochan Avenue. The pilot will run from 23 June – 4 July, Monday – Friday, with the road shut from 7.45am – 9am, and 3pm – 4:30pm. This will be followed with Brackley Avenue - which will be closed from its junction with Conwy Road to its junction with Lansdowne Road. Ysgol St Joseph's is on that street. The trial here runs from 30 June – 18 July, Monday – Friday. The road will close 8.15am – 9am and 2:45pm – 3:45pm. Conwy council said: "We are trialling a new School Streets pilot scheme at two schools in Conwy School Streets are areas around school entrances that are temporarily closed during peak drop-off and pick-up times to help children access school safely, promote active travel and reduce air pollution. "Access will be maintained for Blue Badge holders and county arranged taxis." There was a mixed response on social media. One person called it "Nanny state pampering". Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Another said: "Combermere Road is very busy in the evening I know because I go to a choir rehearsal there on Mondays starting at 4.30. Won't the cars just park round the corner, I just don't see how it will help." A third added: "Good luck with that. Denbighshire tried it and it didn't work, it just created more chaos and inconvenience to other streets!" But there was also support for the pilot. One person said: "Brilliant! I hope it goes well and is rolled out across all primary schools" and another added "Should be at every school". Many suggested other schools where they would like to see this introduced. One person responded: "How about Ysgol Aberconwy too. Some parents arrive early to pick up their little dears to make sure they get a parking place. Then, they sit with engines running to keep warm in winter and keep cool in summer. Does nothing to help keep the air clear."
