HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

TICKETS can be issued when badges have expired, when badges are displayed the wrong side up and for parking in a disabled bay without displaying a blue badge.

Blue badges are issued to people, not a vehicle. The badge can be displayed on any vehicle (including taxis and hired cars) in which the blue badge holder is travelling as either a driver or a passenger.

The scheme only applies to on-street parking and allows blue badge holders to park:

■On single or double yellow lines for up to three hours as long as there are no loading restrictions.

■On-street disabled parking bays without charge and for as long as required (unless a time limit is shown).

■On-street parking meters, pay and display, shared use bays without charge and for as long as required.

The badge must be displayed in all instances as well as the parking clock if there are time restrictions. Blue badge holders cannot park: ■Where a loading restriction is in force.

■ At special bays, eg doctor, police, diplomat, resident.

■On footways, unless there is an exemption indicated by signs and white lines.

■On clearways (no stopping).

■On bus stop clearways during hours of operation.

■On taxi ranks.

■On a pedestrian crossing or its extended zig-zag markings. And the scheme does not apply:

■On private roads.

■In off-street car parks such as supermarkets, hospitals or local authority car parks. Users are urged to check the conditions of use of the car park and any concessions, as there may be a charge.

■In some town centres, where access is prohibited or limited to vehicles with special permits issued locally.