Blue Badge Parking Bay

Blue badge parking bays

What is a blue badge parking bay and who installs them?

Under the Traffic Regulations Act 1984, the Traffic Authority can designate special parts of the road to provide special parking bays for holders of a blue badge.

These bays were provided by the council's former Highway Unit of the Engineering Services Department, acting with the traffic authority, Kent County Council. From 1 April 2005 Kent County Council is responsible for these bays.

Where are these bays located and who can park in them

The bays are either provided as single bays or in groups near main shopping areas or as individual parking spaces outside a disabled driver's property. Please see the blue badge parking spaces link below for details of their location in Gravesham town centre.

Blue Badge Parking Bays

Drivers parking in either type of bay whether in a group of bays or a single bay outside a particular property must have a valid blue badge. Any driver with a blue badge can park in a designated blue bay, even if it's outside someone else's property.

How to apply for an individual blue badge parking bay near to your property

If you are a driver and have substantial difficulties in walking and need to park as close to your property as possible, you can apply to Kent County Council for a blue badge parking bay to be marked on the road. Applicants should generally be the driver of the vehicle needing the space. Any exception to this will be considered by KCC's Highway Manager.

In order to apply for a bay you will need to fill in an application form. You will also need to provide various documents like a photocopy of your disabled badge and proof that you are get the Higher Rate Disability Allowance. All the conditions you need to meet are listed on the application form. Please note that even though you may have the correct documentation, you may not be allowed to have a bay due to other reasons. The road conditions outside your property will be assessed by an engineer from KCC Highway Services. Things like road safety, proximity to a road junction or bend in the road, width of the road and pavement, the number of vehicles using or parking on the road and the availability of off-street parking will all be considered. In addition neighbours and the emergency services will also be consulted. Once all the criteria have been examined, you will be told of the decision. If your application fails at this stage you can appeal to the Highway Manager.

If your application is successful, KCC will seek formal legal backing in the form of a Traffic Regulation Order. This involves advertising the proposal in the press along with other similar traffic orders for similar blue badge bays in other areas within the borough. As long as no objections are received, the Traffic Order will be made and arrangements made to have the bay painted on the road surface and a sign put on a post next to the marking.

It can take about six months before the bay can be marked and used by the applicant.

The bay will be checked periodically after installation to make sure it is still justified. If the bay is no longer justified it may be removed.

If you would like an application form for a blue badge parking bay please write to:

Blue Badge Parking
Contact Centre
Invicta House
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XX

Ring them on 01622 60 50 20, or view their website for further information on the Blue Badge parking scheme  or the Highway Services .