Protecting the city’s Blue Badge spaces
We’re launching a campaign this week highlighting the essential role Blue Badge parking spaces play in the lives of residents and visitors.
A new video is raising awareness of how important the spaces are to those who need them, and the negative impact misusing them can have.
Called ‘Access without barriers’, the video features families of disabled children who talk about their experiences of having spaces blocked by drivers without a Blue Badge and of the negative comments they sometimes receive.
A version of the video will be shown to people found to be parking in Blue Badge parking spaces illegally as part of a Community Resolution Order.
Why the campaign matters
Not all disabilities or health conditions are visible. Some people may experience significant mobility challenges, chronic pain, or other conditions that make walking longer distances difficult, even if this is not immediately obvious.
This is why it is important not to make assumptions about who may need a Blue Badge space.
When a Blue Badge is misused, it can prevent someone who relies on accessible parking from being able to park near their destination. This can directly affect their ability to carry out daily activities and access essential services.
We work with East Sussex County Council and Sussex Police to tackle misuse. Using a Blue Badge when not entitled is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and offenders may face prosecution, a fine of up to £1,000, or additional parking penalties.
Protecting Blue Badge spaces in Brighton & Hove
A lifeline for many
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, who appears in the video, said: “This is a really valuable campaign highlighting the importance of making sure Blue Badge holders can access the spaces they need.
“Blue Badge parking is a lifeline for so many people, making it possible for them to access vital services, shops and their communities.
“Parking in a Blue Badge space without a permit isn’t a victimless crime. I really hope the stories shared in the video will stop people parking in a space that’s so esential for others.”
How Blue Badges can be used in Brighton & Hove
In Brighton & Hove, Blue Badge holders can park in:
- disabled bays, except personalised bays which may only be used by the disabled permit holder
- paid parking bays
- shared use bays
Badge holders may also park on a single or double yellow line for up to 3 hours, as long as there is no loading restriction, and the time disc is set correctly. The badge and time disc must be clearly displayed.
Blue Badge holders cannot park everywhere. It should not be used in places such as loading bays, permit bays, bus stops, taxi ranks, ambulance bays, police bays or doctors’ bays, and they cannot be used where parking would cause obstruction or danger.
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