BLUE badge holders can park for free in Dorset Council car parks for up to three hours with the introduction of a new permit.

The Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit (RMCPP), which costs £15 and expires at the same time as a blue badge, will give holders more time to complete their tasks in Dorset towns.

Their permit must be displayed next to their blue badge.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Some people, because of their mobility, need a little longer to carry out their tasks so our new Restricted Mobility Car Park Permit will give them three hours free parking and more peace of mind when out and about."

To apply for an RMCPP permit blue badge owners must have:

  • Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Ten or more points on the 'Moving around' section in the 'Mobility component' of Personal Independence payment (PIP)
  • Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment

Alternatively, they will need to provide evidence that the vehicle registered in the name of the person with a disability or their nominated driver’s name is tax-exempt.

There is a change of parking for blue badge holders who don't qualify for the new RMCPP permit, with the introduction of a free hour of parking in Dorset Council car parks on top of what they purchase. 

For instance, if someone purchased 30 minutes of parking they could stay for an hour and a half.

Cllr Bryan continued: "This change makes parking across our car parks consistent. Previously there were different rules for towns in the former district and borough councils that existed before Dorset Council was formed, and this sometimes caused confusion.

“The free hour for Blue Badge holders on top of their purchased parking offers consistency and fairness across our car parks, and takes into account the extra time an individual may need when shopping or visiting our towns.”

For more information on how to apply for the permit visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/parking/blue-badges

Those who require assistance applying can call Dorset Council on 01305 221000.

The changes do not apply to car parks not owned by Dorset Council or on-street parking and drivers are advised to always check the car park’s information board when parking their vehicle.