Organisational Blue Badges – Understanding CT’s Challenges

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CTA members have voiced their concerns regarding the difficulties they face when trying to obtain organisational Blue Badges from their local authorities. Members have shared that some areas issue limited Blue Badges, which fail to cover all the vehicles that may require one. In more extreme cases, local authorities refuse to issue any blue badges at all. At the CTA, we recognise the importance of addressing these challenges and have taken steps to find solutions by engaging with the Blue Badge team at the Department for Transport (DfT).

Utilising Individual Badges

In many cases community transport (CT) organisations have fed back that they have been informed that passengers must individually apply for blue badges and then allow the CT operator to utilise them during travel. While this may seem like a viable option, it is not practical for effective transport. Many individuals are unaware that they can apply for a Blue Badge without owning a vehicle. Moreover, the application process can be lengthy, making it impossible for them to obtain the badge before undertaking their journey. Therefore, this approach does not adequately support the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities.

The Need for Clarity: National Guidance

The current guidance provided by the DfT on eligibility for organisational Blue Badges is not particularly helpful, as it suggests that taxi, private hire, and community transport operators are unlikely to qualify for such badges. This guidance fails to acknowledge that community transport plays a crucial role in caring for and assisting people with disabilities. Door-to-door transport services, in particular, require direct assistance for individuals to access the transport. During discussions with the DfT, it was agreed that community transport should be considered eligible for Blue Badges, as it provides essential care and support to those in need. However, it should be noted that the final decision on Blue Badge schemes lies with local authorities, as the DfT’s role is limited to providing guidance.

Understanding the range of approaches

While we have a small number of examples we need to gain a broader understanding of the different approaches local authorities take in issuing organisational badges and the impact this has on community transport’s ability to support people with disabilities. The DfT manages a forum of local authorities in England, with connections extending to Wales and Scotland. Our aim is to collect and analyse evidence from various experiences and share it with the DfT and through them engage in discussions with local authorities to explore collaborative solutions.

Share your experience of applying for organisational Blue Badges

For further information on who can get a Blue Badge view the DfT guidanace