Disabled parking

Disabled bay application guidance

Please read these notes before you apply. They give important information about eligibility and use of the bay.

Kent County Council (KCC), as traffic authority, has the power to designate part of the highway as an on-street parking place and control the type of vehicle and the terms and conditions of its use under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Sections 32 and 35.

Dartford Borough Council can act on behalf of KCC to provide special parking bays on streets for disabled people who have substantial difficulties in walking and parking near their home.

Please note you will not have exclusive rights to the bay. Anyone with a blue badge is legally entitled to park within it.

Before you apply for a DPPB - You may wish to consider having your own off road parking constructed.

Before starting any works you should check:

  • If you need planning permission from Dartford Borough Council.

  • If you need permission for a dropped kerb from KCC.

You may wish to apply for a disabled facilities grant from KCC Social Services on 0300 333 5540.

Eligibility:

In order to be eligible for a DPPB:

1. You must hold a current and valid blue badge Blue Badge applications are dealt with by KCC on 01622 605020 or Kent Blue Badge - A copy of your blue badge should be attached to the application form.

2. You should also be the driver of the vehicle requesting the disabled bay. Any exceptions to this should be stated in writing and accompany the application. All exceptions will be considered and a recommendation made.

3. You must receive, or have proof of entitlement to:-

  • If aged 65 or over, Attendance Allowance at the higher rate (or Disability Living Allowance for adults at the higher rate of the mobility component)
  • If aged between 16 to 64 years of age Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the enhanced rate of the mobility component (or Disability Living Allowance for adults at the higher rate of the mobility component)
  • If aged 16 or under, Disability Living Allowance for children at the higher rate of the mobility component
  • War Pension

Copies of your benefit entitlement should be attached to the application form.

  • For enquiries relating to disability benefits please contact: Disability Benefits Helpline
  • Attendance Allowance 0345 605 6055
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 0345 850 3322
  • Disability Living Allowance 0345 712 3456

4. You must be unable to walk to and from places where adequate car parking is available

5. The vehicle used to transport you should normally be kept at your home address and be registered at that address. If the main driver of the vehicle does not reside at your property, the bay will in most cases be refused

6. You must not have any space available for parking your vehicle in an Off Street Parking facility eg: garage, driveway

Highway checks

An engineer will carry out an assessment as part of the DPPB application. They will consider:

  • Safety,
  • Width of carriageway (which should be 6300mm minimum).
  • The number of vehicles using or parking in the road.
  • Proximity to a junction.
  • The number of other disabled parking bays in the vicinity.
  • The availability of off-street parking will be considered.
  • Adjoining and opposite neighbours and emergency services may be consulted.

Enforcement

A Disabled Persons Parking Bay is installed with the backing of a Traffic Regulation Order. This is a legal document that allows enforcement to be carried out should a vehicle that does not display a blue badge park in the bay.

These orders may take between 6 to 12 months to implement. 

Please note: This bay may only be parked in by vehicles displaying a current blue badge. Misuse of the bay could lead to a fixed penalty notice being issued and the removal of the bay.

Change of circumstances

The bay will be audited and assessed on a regular basis to ensure all criteria are still met. If the bay is no longer justified due to a change in circumstances, it may be removed.

If any circumstances change at any time, please email parking.services@dartford.gov.uk

Applying for a Disabled Persons Parking Bay

If you would like to apply for a disabled parking bay, please apply via our parking permit system or email parking.services@dartford.gov.uk to get a printable paper copy.