If you are a Blue Badge holder, you should receive free parking during your visit to an NHS hospital. This applies whether you are the patient, a visitor, or taking the patient into hospital. It’s part of a government objective to provide free parking for those with the greatest need.
Rules for using your Blue Badge do vary from one hospital trust to another. So, please do check with your hospital.
The way you use your Blue Badge varies by NHS trust or hospital
Free parking for Blue Badge holders
Designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders
About your Blue Badge
Your Blue Badge allows you to park closer to where you want to be. Changes made to Blue Badge eligibility in August 2019 mean that more people with non-visible disabilities now qualify.
Because it is linked to you rather than a vehicle, you can use you Blue Badge with any car. This includes taxis and hire cars that you’re driving, or travelling in as a passenger.
You should have been given a leaflet explaining how to use your Blue Badge. If you have not had one, you can read the guidelines on GOV.UK.
In short, you can use your badge when:
• You’re driving
• You’re travelling in a car as a passenger
• Someone is picking you up or dropping you off, and they need to park close to where you need to go
The way you use your Blue Badge varies by NHS trust or hospital
Because the rules for using your Blue Badge vary from one NHS trust to another, or even from one hospital to another, it’s best to check the instructions for the hospital you’re visiting.
Free parking for Blue Badge holders
In keeping with the government’s objective, NHS hospitals will usually provide free parking for Blue Badge holders. In some cases, a process must be followed for parking to be free, for instance at Colchester Hospital. Here you must register your Blue Badge with the hospital reception. Check your hospital for guidance on this.
Designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders
Some hospitals have special parking bays designed for Blue Badge holders. These bays are usually located close to the hospital’s entrance. If the hospital you’re visiting has these, please make sure you park in them.
Should all the Blue Badge parking bays be taken, some hospitals will allow you to park in other bays for free.
Displaying your Blue Badge
Many hospitals require you to display your Blue Badge clearly, near the windscreen, just as you would a parking ticket. Others request that you do not display your Blue Badge in your car. Check whether your hospital requires you to do so.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
If you receive a qualifying mobility allowance you can use it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) on the Motability Scheme.
The Scheme’s all-inclusive lease package means that, as well as having a brand-new vehicle of your choice, your also get insurance, breakdown cover, servicing and maintenance included.
Learn how it works
Get a free information pack
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