Blue Badge holders in Wales cannot park in 14 places at any time

Blue Badge holders enjoy many parking privileges, but there are 14 places where even disabled parking permit holders cannot stop at any time of day or night — or risk a fine.

Those living with a disability, or a physical or mental health condition that affects their walking ability, as well as individuals with dementia, autism or Parkinson’s, may qualify for a Blue Badge to assist them in parking nearer to their chosen destinations.

A Blue Badge holder, whether travelling as a driver or a passenger, is entitled to park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from certain parking restrictions. However, it is vital to be aware that there are more than 10 locations where permit holders are prohibited from parking, at any hour of the day or night — or they risk facing a fine or penalty.

The Blue Badge allows a vehicle to park in numerous locations where other drivers cannot, such as on-street parking meter spaces, on-street pay-and-display spaces, disabled person’s parking spaces and on single or double yellow lines.

It is worth noting that the Welsh government recommends Blue Badge holders use bays rather than parking over yellow lines wherever possible, reports the Daily Record.

Where you can park with a Blue Badge

Always ensure the badge is displayed correctly — guidance for those in Wales states that when parking and using the badge, it must be placed on top of the dashboard, clearly visible through the front windscreen.

The front of the badge should face upwards, with the photo side not visible through the windscreen. There are highlighted indicators on either side to help you remember which way it should be placed.

Parking concessions available to badge holders in Wales include:

• Can park for free with no time limit in on-street pay-and-display bays and at parking meters
• Park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, provided you do not cause an obstruction and correctly display your badge and parking clock
• On-street disabled parking bays, you may park for free and no set time limit unless stated otherwise

14 places where you cannot park at any time of day or night

Even with a Blue Badge you cannot park in the following places:

• Places where a ban on loading or unloading is in force, normally indicated by yellow marks on the kerb. Roadside signs display times of operation for loading bays
• Parking places reserved for specific users such as resident’s bays, permit holders or loading bays. (Always check whether a particular local authority has chosen to exempt Blue Badge holders from these restrictions)
• Pedestrian Zones unless Blue Badge holders are exempt (check signs)
• Pedestrian crossings (zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossings), including areas marked by zig-zag lines
• Clearways (no stopping)
• A bus stop clearway during its hours of operation
• An urban clearway within its hours of operation. You may pick up or drop off passengers. All parking is forbidden
• School ‘keep clear’ markings during the hours shown on a yellow no-stopping plate
• Other ‘keep clear’ markings where you must not park at any time e.g. where emergency vehicles require access, vehicles such as doctors, taxis and other emergency vehicles
• Bus, tram or cycle lanes or cycle tracks. Badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation
• Where there are double white lines in the centre of the road (even if one of the lines is broken)
• Suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed
• Where temporary parking restrictions are in force, as shown for example by no-waiting cones.
• Across dropped kerbs whether or not they are indicated by ‘H’ bar markings

Top tips for parking with your Blue Badge

• If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space
• If you are a passenger, someone else can use your Blue Badge to drop you off or pick you up
• If you are a passenger and the driver is remaining in the car, the badge must be removed from the vehicle and the driver should park in a non-disabled parking space
• You should check for time restrictions on nearby signs or with the Local Authorities and use a parking clock
• You can park on single or double yellow lines, unless there are loading restrictions in place
• Never park where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users – parking here could result in a fine or having your vehicle removed

10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge

• You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don’t you are committing a crime
• You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger
• No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them
• If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space
• You must not let other people use your badge
• You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down
• You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out
• If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one
• Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council
• Check signs to make sure Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there

Find out more about the Blue Badge scheme at the Welsh Government here.