More than 3 million Blue Badge holders issued stark warning | Personal Finance | Finance
Confused.com has issued a warning that for every designated Blue Badge parking bay in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are currently 52 permit holders competing for a spot. This revelation comes after the company analysed new data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to UK councils.
The data shows that there are over 3.2 million Blue Badge permit holders in the UK, compared to just 63,000 designated Blue Badge parking bays. In response to the increasing demand for accessible parking, Confused.com has created an online tool to assist people in finding the nearest available space, regardless of their location.
This development coincides with a 31 per cent surge in new applications for Blue Badge permits between 2022 and 2024. During this period, a total of 1.3 million new applications were submitted, along with 1.5 million renewal applications from existing holders.
Research by Confused.com also found that out of the 2.8 million applications made between 2022 and 2024 for both new permits and renewals, 245,566 were rejected, as reported by the Daily Record.
These rejections occurred for various reasons, including:
- Not meeting the criteria
- unreceived payments
- Applications made to incorrect local authorities
- Failure to provide all information as part of health assessments
Blue Badge holders and parking bays across UK
As of 2024, the number of Blue Badge spaces and permit holders across the UK, includes:
England
- Number of Blue Badge holders: 2,635,428
- Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 43,604
Northern Ireland
- Number of Blue Badge holders: 149,038
- Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: Not available
Scotland
- Number of Blue Badge holders: 271,966
- Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 16,808
Wales
- Number of Blue Badge holders: 219,614
- Number of Blue Badge parking spaces: 2,588
It’s important to note the rising misuse of these dedicated parking spots. A total of 705,310 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued for improper use of Blue Badge parking bays.
While the Blue Badge scheme aims to assist those with disabilities, many struggle with finding available parking.
Research from Confused.com indicates that 36% of Blue Badge holders have been unable to park due to a non-badge holder occupying the space. Similarly, 34% report a lack of accessible parking near their location.
When all designated spaces are occupied, a significant 65% have resorted to using regular parking bays. However, these spots aren’t always suitable, and worryingly, 40% have had to leave a car park due to insufficient appropriate parking.
This concern over parking availability has deterred 36% of badge holders from visiting certain places.
Confused.com has stepped up to the plate by launching a new tool that allows users to check the number of dedicated parking bays provided by each local council. The innovative tool from Confused.com also enables users to locate Blue Badge parking information through an online map here.
Rhydian Jones, a motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, voiced his concerns about the current state of affairs: “Blue Badge parking spaces are essential for millions of drivers across the UK, but our latest research shows how easily that system struggles.”
He highlighted the stark reality facing disabled drivers: “This is especially highlighted when there isn’t enough availability, and other drivers take advantage of the spaces. Shockingly, for every one Blue Badge parking bay in the UK, there are 52 permit holders who need access to it.”
