Watford Borough Council

Blue Badge Holders are permitted to park on single and double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, provided that they do not cause an obstruction across a driveway etc. They must fully display a blue badge, showing the expiry date, serial number, issuing authority and a clock, correctly set at the beginning of their stay.  After 3 hours parking the vehicle must not return to the same road for at least one hour.

You also risk incurring a Penalty Charge Notice if your badge is partially obscured, or displayed photograph side up.  It should be clearly displayed on the dashboard next to the clock.

In a restricted zone, in designated Disabled Badge Holder's bays during the periods specified on zone entry signs or signs adjacent to the bay (these bays will be specifically signposted for disabled motorists).

In a restricted zone, in shared use (Disabled Badge Holder/loading and unloading) bays during the periods specified on zone entry signs or signs adjacent to the bay (these bays will be specifically signposted for disabled motorists at particular times).

They may also park in pay and display spaces, on street, free of charge, or in an on-street free limited wait way, without time limit if you fully display your blue badge (unless the bay(s) have been suspended, when suspension notices will be displayed nearby).

Blue Badge Holders are NOT permitted to park on yellow lines where there is a loading ban.  This will be denoted by kerbside blips and time plates on posts.  You cannot park during the hours specified on time plates.  In addition you may not park at a bus stop, coach bay or taxi rank.

You are not permitted to park in an off street pay and display car park, without a valid pay and display ticket.

You are not permitted to park in a restricted zone containing designated bays other than in the signed Disabled Badge Holder bays provided.  The restriction is marked by zone entry signs in addition to the signs adjacent to the bays.

During the hours of the Controlled Parking Scheme (Monday to Saturday 8am to 6.30pm) or Match Day Scheme (1pm to 6.30pm - Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday matches and 6pm to 10pm for weekday matches) you are not permitted to park in a permit holders' bay unless you are a resident with a residents permit or a residents visitor with a residents visitor scratch card permit.  Within the permit holder bays in the controlled parking zones, you may see some "advisory bays" where a disabled symbol is painted on the road.  These have been specifically installed for disabled residents who must also display a valid residents permit or voucher.  These bays are not intended for use by other disabled motorists who are not resident permit holders.

If you are given a penalty charge notice when you were parking in an appropriate space it may be for one of the following reasons:

• because your blue badge was not clearly visisble or because it was obstructed by your clock
• because the details on your blue badge were faded or unreadable**
• because you were not displaying a time clock
• because you had exceeded the time noted on your time clock
• because your blue badge had expired

** please contact your local Social Services department for a new badge

Remember:

• The badge may only be used if the named badge holder is leaving the car
• The badge cannot be used by a person doing an errand on behalf of a badge holder
• The badges should never be left in your car when they are not in use as this makes your car susceptible to theft and possible vandalism
• Your badge is a valuable commodity and should be looked after carefully, the maximum penalty for misuse of a badge is £1,000

If you require any clarification on any of the above please contact the Parking Shop on 01908 223507.