Region: Bristol

People who use a Blue Badge are being invited to share their thoughts on what it is like to travel and park across the city.  

Working with the Disabled People’s Strategic Transport Advisory Group, the Blue Badge parking survey has been developed to help the council better understand what is important to Disabled people when using their Blue Badges.  

From parking on‑street using pay and display spaces to using disabled bays in council car parks, having a Blue Badge can make it easier for Disabled people to park closer to their destination – whether they are driving or travelling as a passenger. 

Responses to the survey will provide valuable insight into how current arrangements work in practice and how future transport and street design projects can be improved to make Bristol more accessible for Disabled people. 

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “Disabled people are experts on their own journeys, and their lived experience must be at the heart of how we design and manage our streets. 

“We want to make sure our transport schemes work for everyone, especially Disabled people. This survey gives Blue Badge holders the opportunity to tell us what works well, what doesn’t, and what could be improved. 

“Disabled parking isn’t just about vehicles, it’s about independence, dignity and access to everyday life. As Bristol’s transport network continues to change, accessibility must be central to that change.” 

Feedback from the survey will help inform designs for current and future transport projects so that everyday access is improved across the city. 

Through the survey, there is an opportunity for Blue Badge holders to express their interest in joining a consultation group, that will work with the Disabled People’s Strategic Transport Advisory Group on Disabled people’s experiences of driving and parking in Bristol. 

Megan Belcher, Co-Chair of the Disabled People’s Strategic Transport Advisory Group, said: “We advise the council on transport and accessibility issues affecting Disabled people. It is vital that Disabled people’s voices are included when changes are being considered to Bristol’s roads, neighbourhoods, public transport and parking. 

“Through this survey, which was suggested by and developed with members of the group, we want to hear the voices and opinions of Blue Badge holders, as well as their families and carers, about what matters most to them when travelling and parking.   

“The survey will also help bring together a group of people who will work with us to continue to inform and shape more accessible transport and parking in Bristol.” 

Complete the Blue Badge parking survey by midnight on Tuesday 21 July 2026.  

To request a paper copy of the survey or an Easy Read version, email [email protected] or phone 0117 9036449 and leave a message on the answerphone.  

Where Blue Badges can be used  

• Badge holders can park for free in on-street disabled bays – signs have a blue wheelchair symbol and are usually restricted to 3 hours (signs will give the time limit). 

• Badge holders can park for free and without time limit in on-street pay and display bays, Residents’ Parking Scheme permit holder bays, or Residents’ Parking Scheme shared use bays. 

• Badge holders can park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, provided they do not cause an obstruction and there are no loading restrictions in place.  

Car park operators should provide parking spaces for Disabled people. However, it is up to the operator to decide whether Blue Badge holders can park for free. 

Find out where you can park with a Blue Badge 

Applying for an advisory disabled parking bay  

Blue Badge holders can request that the council paint white lines for an advisory disabled parking space near their home. 

There is an application process as well as qualifying criteria for making a request. 

Apply for an advisory disabled parking bay 

Applying for Blue Badge  

Blue Badges can be applied for on the GOV.UK website 

Original press release by Bristol City Council