Some countries allow you to use your Blue Badge to park
The issue of using a UK Bludge Badge abroard was raised in Parliament (Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The UK government has issued an update on the usage of Blue Badges while on holiday in European Union countries.
According to the Department for Transport, people in the UK who have a Blue Badge can currently use the parking pass in certain European countries.
However, some countries may require extra details when displaying the badge, while others only accept EU or non-EU parking badges.
The issue was recently raised in Parliament by Warrington South MP Sarah Hall in a written question to the Transport Secretary – asking about greater co-operation with European countries around Blue Badge usage.
She wrote: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her department has made of the potential merits of increased coordination with the European Union on the mutual recognition of the Blue badge parking scheme for UK citizens travelling in EU member states.”
In response, Lillian Greenwood, junior Transport Minister until the recent reshuffle, said recent arrangements with some European countries mean they can now be used without issue – but has encouraged travellers to check before they travel.
She said: “This Government is committed to championing greater accessibility for disabled people and has informal reciprocal agreements in place with many other European countries so that Blue Badges can be used there; information and guidance on this can be found on GOV.UK.
“Those travelling overseas should check local rules before using their Blue Badge abroad. Through close working and partnership with our French and Spanish friends and allies, this Government has now secured the mutual recognition of each other’s disabled parking permits.
“This means that UK Blue Badge holders can now travel with confidence when heading to France or Spain for their holidays or travel.”
According to the government website you can use a UK Blue Badge when travelling in some European countries. However you should check before you travel as even in countries that recognise the Blue Badge, parking rules can vary in different parts of the country.
The Department for Transport also advises that you carry any supporting documentation that may be required, such as a doctor’s note or a translation of your Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules.
The Blue Badge Scheme was introduced in England in 1971 to help disabled people with parking. It gives those with mobility challenges important parking benefits, such as use of disabled parking bays, and free parking in pay-and-display bays and other spaces.
People with disabilities, such as those with severe mobility problems and individuals who are registered blind, are eligible for the scheme, which is valid for up to 3 years and must be renewed.
Full list of countries that recognise UK Blue Badge
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece – Accepts non-EU parking cards
- Hungary
- Iceland – Accepts non-EU parking cards
- Ireland
- Italy – Non-EU parking cards accepted in some regions only
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania – Non-EU parking cards accepted in some regions only
- Luxembourg – Accepts non-EU parking cards
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania – Accepts non-EU parking cards
- Slovakia
- Slovenia – May not recognise non-EU issue parking card
- Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles)
- Sweden
- Switzerland