How Do You Get A 'Blue Card' For Parking?

[jourdain2]

I've fought against it for years.

Today OH and I had to go to Scarborough to do an essential bit of shopping. (He needed new pants from M&S.) We went and returned on the Park & Ride bus.  My back pain has become far worse this year (hip repair botched and R leg 1" longer than left, on top of existing 2 displaced lower vertebrae, which hurt more as relevant bits of discs become less bouncy).

I'm always in discomfort, but we made it to the shop, did the shopping and returned to the bus stop. (No seats of course.) We had to wait 30 mins. (due to roadworks) and I was almost crying and immobile.  I'm now so limited - then I thought of the blue card scheme, so I could park nearer to the shops.

Do I see my GP first?  Do I go to the Town Hall?  Do I need medical proof of my mobility problems?  

It's nearly 5 hrs later and my back/spine is still tight and sore.  Ta for any advice.

[Canary42]

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge            

 

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[jourdain2]

Ta, Canary.

[jourdain2]

I don't get any allowances.. always just 'carried on'.

Don't fall into any obvious categories, just I can't walk far or carry anything.  I'll re-read.

[jazzyjen]

Don't wait around. Apply now. Hubby just received his 13 weeks since applying.  You will need to supply details of your problems and provide your doctors name & number. The council will do the rest. Good Luck.

[douglas9401]

To avoid petty bureaucracy in the first instance I'd try to get some kind of letter from your doctor detailing your issues so you can present this to the council drone in charge of doling out largesse.

It can be a long and wearying slog but ultimately worth it

 

Good luck with it all.

[bhg481]

I don't get any allowances. I applied online last year, filled in the form, attached copies of letters from the hospital about my shortage of breath and my arthritic knee and waited. I expected to be called for an interview but the letters seemed to be sufficient and within a week or two I was told my application was successful and if I sent them £10 I would get a blue card. My application was via West Berkshire and was very quick and easy.

[bhg481]

I've just looked back at my emails and my application was about a fortnight from applying to actually receiving the badge.

[ladybirder]

Just make sure when you get one Jourdain you keep it out of sight when you're not actually using it.  Apparently they are now being targetted by thieves according to an article in the newpaper I read recently.

[jourdain2]

Thank you all so very much.  I had good old 'impostor syndrome'... ME, Disabled! ... sort of thing.

I'll make a start tomorow.

[hellywelly4]

Oh Jourdain I do sympathise. I'm sure you won't have a problem with your medical history though. Have you considered getting a walker? I've got one which is quite smart and has a seat on it, so when I'm waiting to be picked up I can sit on the seat, and it's very secure. I know it's difficult when you have to rely on things like that but it's better than struggling so much.

 

[JinnyJoan]

I received my Blue Badge last Monday but because on the application I had to put a photo in - I can't do photos.  I went to the Citizens Advice and the gentleman filled the form in and photo.  It took about 6 weeks for an answer but I was turned down.  

Citizens appealed on my behalf but the man said he didn't think I had a chance but this time I went to my doctor and they gave me a little note of my medical history - this time I got it.  I was delighted but of course when I go to the disabled spots in the supermarkets etc - they are already filled in.  

 

[ladybirder]

Yes JJ, that's not unusual.  And if you check for their Blue Badges it's rare they've all got one!!

[windywillow]

I was pleased that my application was surprisingly easy too. Filled it in online and attached a photo of my doctor's supporting note which he'd added to the blank sheet that's attached to your prescription.

In less than a week my blue badge arrived.

I was expecting a struggle. Fortunately that's not always the case.