Using a Blue Badge
Blue Badges must be clearly and properly displayed on the dashboard or the fascia of the vehicle where it can be seen through the windscreen while the vehicle is parked. The accompanying time clock must also be displayed and set to show the time of arrival.
In Cambridgeshire you can apply for a Blue Badge from the County Council, if you meet the application criteria. They should only be displayed when the vehicle is being used for the benefit of the person the Blue Badge was issued to.
It is not permitted to use the badge for any other purpose, for example shopping for the badge holder when they, themselves, are not being transported in the vehicle to carry out the shopping.
Blue Badges issued by any other local authority (including other countries in Europe and beyond) are also valid.
Car parks: where can I park?
People with disabilities can park for free in all our pay and display car parks as long as:
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a valid Blue Badge is displayed and the Blue Badge holder is either driving the car or a passenger
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the clock is displayed and set to show the time of arrival
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all other parking restrictions in the car park are followed.
The maximum stay is limited to the length of stay for that car park, for example 2 hours in a 2-hour car park, 4 hours in a 4-hour car park.
A Blue Badge parking permit is available to extend your stay (see below).
Please ensure that the badge and clock are displayed on dashboard or the fascia of the vehicle where it can be seen through the windscreen.
Car parks: Blue badge parking permits
Blue badge extension permits are available if you work and wish to stay in a short-stay car park for longer periods.
All our parking permits are digital and are provided by MiPermit. Information about our permit schemes is given below.
Please read the terms and conditions [PDF, 0.3MB] for more details on the locations covered by the permits, eligibility criteria and charges.
To apply for a permit, visit the Off-Street Parking Permit Application page and select the permit from the drop-down menu.
On-street: where can I park?
Blue Badge holders can park in:
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designated disabled parking bays
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on-street pay and display bays without time limit
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on-street resident bays without time limit
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limited waiting bays without time limit
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for up to 3 hours on single or double yellow lines where loading restrictions are not in force and where the vehicle is not causing an obvious obstruction.
Drivers must ensure that:
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the vehicle is not parked in a position that causes an obstruction
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the parking bays are not suspended from use. This should be checked regularly by the driver, especially if parking overnight or extended periods
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a valid Blue Badge is displayed and the Blue Badge holder is either driving the car, or a passenger
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the clock is displayed and set to show the time of arrival.
Please ensure that the badge and clock are displayed on dashboard or the fascia of the vehicle where it can be seen through the windscreen.
If you fail to follow any guidance you may get a Penalty Charge Notice.
Blue badge holders may not park:
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where loading restrictions are in force
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on bus stops
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on school zigzag areas and pedestrian crossings (zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossings), including areas marked by zigzag lines
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in taxi ranks
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in mandatory cycle lanes during the operational hours
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in a suspended bay
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where it would cause an obstruction
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in a bay specifically reserved for other users, such as a motorcycle bay, medical/doctor bay.
How do I apply for a blue badge?
Cambridgeshire County Council manages applications for Blue Badges.
Apply for a Blue Badge OnlineFurther information on blue badges
How do I apply for a disabled parking bay?
Cambridgeshire County Council manages applications for disabled parking bays. Visit their website for more information and to make an application.