North East Has Highest Number Of Blue Badges In Use

New data from one of the DVLA's largest databases has revealed that the number of drivers with blue badges varies across the UK with the largest counties tending to have the largest number over all. The latest statistics illustrate that places such as Sunderland are an example for having the highest concentration compared to the population as a whole.

Data surrounding local authorities around the country indicate that the highest share of Blue Badge holders are Staffordshire at 8.2%, Dorset at 8.0%, Cumberland at 7.9%, and Derbyshire at 7.8%.

There is also a clear regional divide between the number of blue badge holders round the country with the North East having the highest percentage of holders over all which is currently recorded at 6.1% followed by the East Midlands at 6.0% and the South West at 5.9%. London records the lowest regional figure at 3.5%.

Although Sunderland leads the table with the highest number of blue badges per population share, there are also large numbers of badges which were approved in many areas such as Kent has the highest number of valid Blue Badges overall, with 92,000 badges. It is followed by Lancashire with 79,000, Hertfordshire with 78,000, Essex with 76,000, and Staffordshire with 74,000.

"Looking at Blue Badge figures by percentage of population gives a more meaningful picture of where the scheme is most widely relied upon.

While larger areas will naturally tend to have higher totals, the per-head figures show where Blue Badge use is most concentrated and where demand appears to be strongest.

It is particularly striking to see Sunderland come out on top, as well as the wider regional divide between parts of the North and Midlands and areas such as London. These differences help build a clearer picture of how mobility support is being used across England."

That’s according to Sarah Jenkins, Head of Marketing at My Car Reg Check.

The findings offer a view of where Blue Badge use is most concentrated, and where it is less common, highlighting major differences between local authorities and regions across England.

Top five local authorities by percentage of population holding a Blue Badge

Sunderland, 8.3%

Staffordshire, 8.2%

Dorset, 8.0%

Cumberland, 7.9%

Derbyshire, 7.8%

Top five local authorities by total number of valid Blue Badges

Kent, 92,000

Lancashire, 79,000

Hertfordshire, 78,000

Essex, 76,000

Staffordshire, 74,000

Regions with the highest percentage of Blue Badge holders

North East, 6.1%

East Midlands, 6.0%

South West, 5.9%

Lowest regional percentage

London, 3.5%

The Blue Badge Scheme provides help and parking concessions for people with disabilities or health conditions and allows them to park closer to the destination which they are travelling to. This includes the use of disabled parking bays and exemptions from certain parking restrictions.

There are now over 3 million Blue Badges in circulation in England, reflecting rising demand for mobility support https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/blue-badge-scheme-statistics-data-tables-dis

• Eligibility has expanded in recent years, including people with non-visible disabilities such as dementia, autism and severe anxiety, contributing to increased uptake https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge

• The Department for Transport has been moving toward a more standardised, digital application system across England to improve consistency and reduce administrative barriers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-blue-badge-scheme-local-authority-guidance-england

Those who wish to apply for a Blue Badge will need to be getting the higher rate of the mobility component of disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments. This will help to prove their eligibility for the badge and the access to park closer to their chosen destination.

Who can get a Blue Badge

You’re automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you:

Are registered as blind.

Care for a child who is blind and aged over 2.

Get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - check your decision letter if you're not sure.

Get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.

Received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8), and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability.