Disabled parking bays

What is a disabled parking bay?

This is a parking space on a public road which is marked by a white line around a wheelchair sign, or around the word ‘disabled’.

The parking bay lets you park close to your home, but they are not limited to your use.

How to apply for a disabled parking bay

You can apply if you meet all three of the criteria below. You must have:

1. a valid Blue Badge registered to your current address
2. a vehicle registered to your current address, either as the main owner/driver or because you live with the main owner/driver
3. no suitable off street parking at your current address

If your Blue Badge was not issued by Essex County Council, you must contact the issuing local authority and request they transfer your badge details to Essex County Council before beginning your application. This process usually takes around 10 working days.

Your Blue Badge must be registered to the address on your parking bay application.

How long does the process take?

It can take up to 12 months between an application being approved and a parking bay being marked on the road, though in some cases it might be longer.

If you do not meet the criteria for a disabled parking bay

There may still be support available if you do not meet the criteria for a bay, but are struggling with your mobility. In exceptional circumstances this could include a disabled parking bay, even if you do not meet the criteria. To find our what support is available, contact:

• adult social care if you are over 18
• children's social care of you need support for a child in your care

Reasons why you might not be able to have a disabled parking bay

Not all sites may be suitable for a bay despite the circumstances and needs of the applicant.

Applications can only be made for bays on public roads. Essex County Council do not mark bays on land which is not under the control of Essex County Council, even if you are deemed to be eligible for a bay.

Some applications meet all the criteria, but are still rejected. This could be because the bay would:

• be located on land which is not under the control of Essex County Council
• put you or other road users in danger
• be opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction
• block a turning point in the road
• be in a clearway/no stopping restriction
• be in close proximity to junctions or roundabouts, where visibility may be affected
• be located on a road which is narrower than 4.8 metres (15 feet)
• be located on a verge, as this would involve construction work which is not within the remit of parking bay service

Apply for a disabled parking bay

Report a problem with a disabled parking bay

Essex County Council will consider making a Traffic Regulation Order if a disabled person's parking bay is continually being used by other road users, without showing a valid Blue Badge.

To apply for a Traffic Regulation Order, contact us.

If a disabled parking sign is already in place you should contact the Parking Partnership instead.

It should be noted, it can take up to 18 months for a Traffic Regulation Order to be actioned. This will result in a disabled parking sign being put up on a post next to the parking space.

Removing a parking bay

If a disabled parking bay is no longer needed please contact us.

It can take up to 12 months to remove a disabled parking bay, though in some cases it might be longer.

If we assess that the disabled parking bay needs to be there, we may refuse your request to have it removed.

Resident parking schemes

Resident parking schemes are operated by the Parking Partnership.

Renewing an M or Z parking permit

Existing M Permit holders can apply to renew. Approval cannot be guaranteed and your request may be approved as a standard Disabled Parking Bay.

You will need to provide a copy of your V5 vehicle registration document or mobility lease agreement confirming that the vehicle is registered to your address.

South Essex Parking Partnership will tell you when your permit is due for renewal.