The principal requirements for car parking bays that are designated for use by disabled people are as follows:

• conveniently located, to allow their users to reach their destination with ease
• wider than average bays, to allow wheelchair users space to transfer into the vehicle
• complete with dropped kerbs to allow level-threshold access from the footway to the bay
• a clutter-free pedestrian environment around the bay to allow easy access

There is more detailed design guidance in the ‘User environments’ section of this website, and in the Department for Transport’s publication Inclusive Mobility.

Blue Badge scheme

The UK's Blue Badge scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with a mobility impairment who travel either as passengers or drivers. The scheme also applies to registered blind people and people with severe upper limb disabilities who cannot turn a steering wheel by hand.

A Blue Badge allows the holder to park close to their destination. To apply for a badge, people should contact the social services department of their local authority.

Badge holders should remember the following key points:

• the badge is not a licence to park anywhere – the user should never park where they could be causing an obstruction
• a valid badge should always be displayed when occupying a designated space in a car park

For further advice on the Blue Badge scheme, refer to the motoring and travel section of the Directgov website.