History and legislation

History

The Disabled Person’s Parking Badge Scheme (then known as the Orange Badge Scheme) was introduced in December 1971 through section 21 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.

Phase 1

In 1971 the following original parking concessions were provided:

  • parking without time limit where time is limited for other road users, except on yellow lines
  • exemption from meter charges and other parking charges where they apply to other road users

At this point, concerns were raised about the potential congestion and security implications of providing these concessions in London. In response to these concerns, It was agreed that the concessions would not apply in the London Boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, the City of London and parts of Camden. Instead these four boroughs were allowed to create their own local parking schemes for disabled people living or working in their boroughs.

Phase 2

Following a review of the first few years of operation it was identified that it would be more beneficial for the needs of Badge holders if the concessions included parking on yellow lines. This came into force in England and Wales in 1975, but limited parking on yellow lines to a maximum period of two hours provided that loading or unloading bans were not in operation.

Phase 3

In April 1986 new regulations were introduced to prevent Badge holders from parking on yellow lines where loading or unloading restrictions are in force.

Phase 4

In March 1992 the time limit for parking on yellow lines was extended from two to three hours. This recognised that some Badge holders needed more time to do their daily business when having to use the yellow line concession.

Developments

A public consultation on the Scheme was undertaken in 2002 and resulted in 47 recommendations from the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. The majority of these recommendations have since been implemented, for example, in October 2007 the Scheme was extended to children under two, with specific medical conditions and the design of the Blue Badge was changed to help prevent fraud and abuse of the Scheme. At the same time, a new public advice booklet for Badge holders was published “The Blue Badge Scheme: rights and responsibilities”, together with a new information leaflet “Can I get a Blue Badge?”

Legislation

The Blue Badge Scheme came into operation on 1 December 1971 under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Person’ Act 1970. There have been numerous amendments to the Scheme since then but the current governing legislation is contained within:

Previous regulations

Links to the relevant regulations have been included where possible. Hard copies of all Acts and Statutory Instruments are available from The Stationery Office. Please note that these are priced publications.