The purpose of this policy is to align the offer that Dorset Council gives to Blue Badge holders within Dorset Council car parks. The policy should be is easy to understand and consistent across Dorset Council.
The objectives are to:
The policy does not include applying for a Blue Badge and on-street parking restrictions as these are national arrangements, thus do not fall under the remit of local authorities.
Dorset Council will offer two concessions, they will:
The proposed scheme fulfils the needs of Blue Badge holders, by giving free parking to those who receive certain allowances due to having higher mobility needs. Besides this, it acknowledges the extra time that it may take Blue Badge holders to transition to and from their vehicle and destination, and that they made need more time at their destination.
Blue Badge holders who receive specified allowances will be entitled to apply for a Restricted Mobility Parking Permit (RMPP). Applicants must have a Blue Badge and be in receipt of one of the following:
Or evidence that the vehicle registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name is tax exempt.
It must only be used when the disabled person is present in the vehicle at some point during the trip. It cannot be used by a driver of a Blue Badge holder for their own personal use. The permit holder can only have one Restricted Mobility Parking Permit at any one time, and it cannot be used with the Dorset Council Short Stay Permit.
The cost of the permit is £15 (which covers the administration costs only) and will expire when the holder’s Blue Badge expires. The RMPP cannot be transferred to other Blue Badge holders. The Blue Badge must be displayed with the RMPP to receive 3-hours free parking. The Blue Badge parking clock must be set at time of arrival. The RMPP is valid for use by Blue Badge holders in any parking bay including disabled bays (except those as stated in Section 3.4).
Blue Badge holders will qualify for 1-hour additional parking when a valid minimum tariff pay & display ticket is displayed with the Blue Badge. The Blue Badge parking clock must be set at time of arrival. The 1-hour additional parking is valid for use by Blue Badge holders in any parking bay including disabled bays (except those as stated below).
Vehicles must be parked within the bay markings. The pay and display charges apply to all bays, including ‘disabled’ bays.
Some of our car parks have extra-wide designated ‘disabled’ parking spaces. Vehicles parked in ‘disabled’ spaces must have a valid blue badge clearly displayed, as well as a valid pay and display ticket/RMPP.
Parking is not permitted on double yellow lines or on yellow hatched areas within car parks.
Parking is not permitted in spaces designated for use by other users (such as permit holders) unless the Blue Badge holder also has the relevant permit.
Parking is not permitted in spaces designated for use by specific types of vehicle (such as solo motorcycles) unless the Blue Badge holder’s vehicle is of the type for which that space has been reserved.
The maximum stay in car parks must be adhered to.
As well as standard enforcement, Blue Badge holders may have their badge withdrawn/receive a Penalty Charge Notice for:
Misuse by a third party covers:
The Blue Badge Policy will be reviewed annually. When reviewing parking charges Dorset Council will consider:
Any change in policy will be subject to the usual legal procedure for consultation and advertisement.
