1. Who is eligible to apply for a Disabled Persons Parking Bay?
Answer: To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a valid permanent Blue Badge.
- Receive one of the following benefits:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
- Attendance Allowance
- Have a car registered at your address, with the registered owner living there.
- Not have access to off-road parking.
- Live on a road where there are no traffic prohibitions and it is safe to install a bay.
- Provide medical evidence from a Consultant, Specialist Nurse, or Physiotherapist (NOT a GP) specifically addressing your mobility and parking difficulties.
2. Is there a minimum age limit to who can apply for a Disabled Parking Bay (i.e. can a parent/guardian of disabled baby/child that requires the transportation of bulky medical equipment apply)?
Answer: There is no minimum age limit and parents/guardians can apply. The eligibility criteria above still applies in respect of the person whom the bay is intended for (which may or may not be the driver of the car).
3. What traffic prohibitions would prevent a parking bay from being installed?
Answer: Parking bays cannot be installed where there are existing restrictions such as double yellow lines, bus stops, loading zones, or clearways. Additionally, bays will not be placed in areas where parking would obstruct emergency access, traffic flow, or violate local road safety regulations.
4. Can I apply for a bay if I have speed bumps (traffic calmers) outside my home?
Yes. However there may be instances where such features would prohibit a bay from being provided. Should you have traffic calming features present in the vicinity of your property, an assessment may need to be undertaken by a highways officer.
5. Can I apply for a Disabled Parking Bay if I have access to a garage (but is not used as a garage/converted/too small for a car)?
Answer: If you have access to or own a space that could be used for off-road parking this would generally make you ineligible for a bay, regardless of how you choose to currently use the space or whether you consider the garage to be too small for your vehicle. An exception would be garages that have been converted into a habitable living space – this space can then realistically no longer be used for parking and so would not be considered off-road parking.
6. What evidence do I need to provide with my application?
Answer: You must supply:
- Proof of your Blue Badge.
- Proof of qualifying benefits.
- Proof of car registration at your address.
- Medical evidence from a relevant health professional (Consultant, Specialist Nurse, or Physiotherapist - NOT a GP) detailing your mobility and parking difficulties. View a suggested template for medical evidence.
- Confirmation that you do not have access to off-road parking.
- Any other documents requested to confirm eligibility.
7. Are there provisions for Blue Badge holders who have not applied for a qualifying Benefit to apply?
Answer: No, unless you are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits you will be ineligible for the scheme.
8. How do I apply for a Disabled Persons Parking Bay?
Answer: Applications can be made:
- Online via the Council’s website.
- In person at a One4All Centre.
Telephone applications are not accepted due to the need for evidence submission.
9. Can I be supported with my application?
Answer: Staff at One4All centres will be able to support you to complete the application form and will copy all the supporting documents required for your application. We would urge anyone to visit a One4All centre in the first instance (by appointment only), as most issues or queries can be dealt with in this way. No telephone applications are accepted.
10. Is there a fee to apply for the scheme?
Answer: No, the £10 administration fee has been removed. However, any costs associated with gathering required documents (including medical evidence) must be paid by the applicant and are not reimbursed by the Council.
11. How do I obtain the required medical evidence?
Answer: Some people will have a Consultant, Physiotherapist or Specialist Nurse assigned to them due to their condition – if you do you can ask whether they would be willing to complete your medical evidence or write a letter covering your mobility issues in relation to parking. You can also arrange an appointment to see a Physiotherapist privately who may complete the medical evidence for you. Any charges incurred in relation to appointments or fees for letters will need to be met by you.
12. How many parking bays are allocated each year?
Answer: 15 bays are allocated each year. 20 bays will be allocated during the initial year of the new scheme 2026-27.
More information on this decision can be found here: Cabinet Approves New Model for Disabled Persons Parking Bay Scheme Following Public Consultation.
13. What happens after I submit my application?
Answer: Once your application and supporting documents are received, the Council will review your information and may contact you if further details are needed. If your application meets the eligibility criteria, a desktop assessment will be conducted to determine if it is feasible to install a bay at your location. In addition, you will be visited by an Occupational Therapy Assistant who will complete an assessment of your situation. You will be kept informed about the progress at various stages of the application process, however some stages will take longer to complete than others so there will be periods of time when you may not hear anything. You will be notified in writing whether you were successful in receiving a bay or not.
14. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
Answer: You will be informed in writing of the reasons for your application being unsuccessful. Feedback is provided at various stages of the process, however some stages will take longer to complete than others so there will be periods of time when you may not hear anything.
15. Is there a right to appeal if my application is refused?
Answer: No, there is currently no right to appeal. The scheme operates once per year and appeals would delay the allocation process. You may reapply in the following year.
16. Do I need to reconfirm my eligibility each year?
Answer: Yes, if you are allocated a bay, you must reconfirm annually that your situation has not changed and you remain eligible. Bays not reconfirmed after several attempts at contact may be removed.
17. Will I have to reapply if I move house?
Answer: Yes, you will, because your eligibility will need to be checked again in relation to your new residence. You can apply during the next application window.
18. Can anyone with a Blue Badge use my allocated bay?
Answer: Under the Council’s scheme, you will receive an Individual Permit Parking Place (IPPP) and a unique permit. However, certain legal exemptions allow any vehicle displaying a disabled person’s badge to park in the bay for up to 3 hours, as per Welsh regulations.
19. What if I suspect misuse of my allocated parking bay?
Answer: You can report misuse via the Council’s website or call centre. Civil Enforcement Officers can take action against unlawful use.
20. Is support available for Welsh speakers?
Answer: Yes, the Council promotes bilingual services and ensures information about the scheme and applications are available in Welsh.