Blue Badge scheme

Your responsibility as a Blue Badge Holder

As a Blue Badge holder, it is your responsibility to use the badge correctly. Misusing the badge, allowing others to use it improperly, or altering details is a criminal offence and may result in confiscation of the badge and a fine of up to £1,000.

How to Display the Badge

Place the badge on the dashboard, with the hologram facing up.

Ensure the badge details are clear and legible. If the badge becomes unreadable, return it for a replacement.

Who can use the badge?

The badge is for your use and benefits only. It must only be displayed if you are travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or if someone is collecting you or dropping you off and needs to park at the place where you are being collected or dropped.

Don’t allow other people to use the badge to do something on your behalf, such as shopping or collecting Where Blue Badge holders cannot park. something for you.

  • You must never give the badge to friends or family to allow them to park for free, even if they are visiting you.
  • You should not use the badge to allow non-disabled people to take advantage of the benefits while you sit in the car.
  • It’s a criminal offence to misuse a badge. This includes people other than the badge holder taking advantage of the parking concessions provided under the scheme.

Where you can park 

The following information is for the Royal Borough of Kingston Council only. Find out where Blue Badge holders can park in other local authorities.

You must not cause an obstruction or danger to pedestrians or other road users, and there are some places that Blue Badge holders cannot park. 

Blue Badge holders can apply for a disabled parking bay outside their home. Holding a valid blue badge does not automatically qualify you for a disabled bay outside your property. This is a separate criteria.

RBK Parking Information

Power to inspect and retain the badge

Police officers, traffic wardens, parking attendants and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect the badge. These people should produce an identity card with their photograph on it to prove they are who they say they are. However, Civil Enforcement Officers are allowed to operate in plain clothes.

If any of these people ask to see the badge, you must show it to them. If you do not, you will be breaking the law and you could be fined up to £1,000. Enforcement officers also have the right to retain the badge, without police presence, if they have reasonable grounds to do so.

Returning your Blue Badge

You must return the badge securely to the Kingston Council Concessionary Team if:

  • the badge has expired
  • your medical condition or mobility improves and you are no longer eligible
  • a replacement badge has been issued for one that is lost or stolen and the original is found / recovered - then the original badge must be returned
  • the badge becomes damaged or faded and is illegible
  • the badge is no longer required, for example, should you be confined to the house

Please also note that the badge should be returned to Kingston Council on the death of the badge holder. If you continue to display the badge when you no longer need it you may be fined up to £1,000.

If your situation changes

You should always contact the Concessionary Travel Team if something changes, such as:

  • your condition changes, so you don’t need the badge
  • the badge is lost, stolen or damaged
  • you change address
  • your name changes (for example by marriage, civil partnership, deed poll)
  • the holder of the badge dies

You will also be able to update your details if your situation changes.

Lost, Stolen or damaged Blue Badge

You can report the lost, stolen or damaged blue badge.

Cancel your Blue Badge

If you no longer need or qualify for a Blue Badge, you will need to post it back to the Concessionary Travel Team at:

Concessionary Travel Team, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall2,  High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU

Include a brief note to explain your reason for cancelling. For added security please also cut the card in half before posting it.

Report fraud or misuse

Blue Badge fraud is on the increase and undermines the integrity of the scheme. Theft from the Council is theft against you. Help us to ensure that all spending goes on delivering and improving services.

We take the risk of fraud extremely seriously. If you suspect that a Blue Badge is being used illegally we would encourage you to report Blue Badge fraud. All referrals will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

The South West London Fraud Partnership (SWLFP) is responsible for understanding and assessing fraud risks, preventing and detecting fraud and ensuring that appropriate sanctions are taken against those who commit fraud against us.

Please tell our investigation team if you have any concerns about fraudulent behaviour:

Find out more about the South West London Fraud Partnership.

If you have questions about your Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme is administered and enforced by the Royal Borough of Kingston Council. If you have any questions about Blue Badges, need help applying, or would like a hard copy of the application sent to you, please contact us:

Concessionary Travel Team, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall2 - High Street, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1EU

Telephone: 0208 547 5000

Email: concessionarytravel@kingston.gov.uk

For more information The Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England

Last Modified: 03/12/2024 15:54:04