Disabled Parking and the UK

For those outside the UK there are some specifics to deal with.

• In the UK (and the EU) there is a Blue Badge scheme for people with the requisite level of dissability, this applies to the person not a specific vehicle (unliek int he USA where they have 'Handicapped' number plates- note your European Blue Badge does not cover you in the USA)
• See (http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/)
• the Blue Badge scheme works throughout the UK and Europe but with significant differences within adn between each country
• In the UK (excluding certain areas outside London and excluding Westminster within London) the general rules are:
• Badge holders may park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours in England and Wales except where there is a ban on loading or unloading, and at a few locations where local schemes apply, such as parts of central London
• Parking Meters- Badge holders may park for free and for as long as they need to unless there is a traffic sign specifying a time limit for holders of disabled parking badges. You must display your Blue Badge.
• Marked Dissabled Parking Bays. Where a time limit is in force, you must also display the special blue parking disc showing your time of arrival. These have a Blue Badge sign (some may still be orange). You may park free and without time limit unless signs say otherwise (check local signs for information).
• Red Lines (London) A vehicle displaying a Blue Badge may stop on single or double red lines, but only to pick up or set down the badge holder. You are not allowed to pick up or set down Blue Badge holders at bus stops on red routes where there is also a wide white line. Parking on red routes is only allowed, if at all, at spaces specifically reserved for Blue Badge holders. You must always check the signs to see what concessions are available.
• Parking in Central London (specifically Westminster) is very difficult. Tehre are a linted number of 'Blue Badge' locations. DO NOT confuse these with spaces that are dedicated Dissabled Spaces for specifically registered vehicles OR for vehicles displaying a Westmisnter Dissabled parking permit, your Blue Badge WILL NOT cover you and you will get fined.
• See (http://bluebadge.direct.gov.uk/index.php?br_wid=1280&br_hgt=800)
• You can get 100% discount fromt he Congestion Charge in London, you need to apply for this so go to (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/congestioncharging/6736.aspx)
• As well as the Blue Badge Scheme in England there is a scheme for qualifying people (with the severest level of dissability) to register their vehicle as the class of "Dissabled". This means that the yearly vehicle excist duty (road Tax) is free.
• See (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/Yourvehicleandlicence/DG_10028003)
• Such registration of a vehicle is needed in SOME UK areas to get relief from parkng charges (for example see my posting on Bridport)

I hope this helps!