What’s changing for blue badge holders - what is a blue badge and who is eligible?

From 1 March 2026, blue badge holders may now qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard.

Until now, the railcard was only available to people receiving certain benefits or living with specific medical conditions.

The eligibility rules have been expanded, meaning many blue badge holders could now access discounted train travel.

A Disabled Persons Railcard provides:

• 1/3 off most train fares across England, Scotland and Wales
• the same 1/3 discount for an adult companion travelling with you

On average, people save around £126 per year. It costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years.

What is a blue badge?

A blue badge is a parking permit for people with disabilities or health conditions that affect their mobility.

It allows holders to park closer to their destination, helping to:

• reduce walking distance
• make daily activities easier
• support independence and wellbeing

Who is automatically eligible?

You automatically qualify for a blue badge if you’re aged three or over and at least one of the following applies:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA)
• you receive personal independence payment (PIP) and:
• score eight points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity (cannot walk more than 50 metres), or
• Score 10 points under descriptor E of the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity due to overwhelming psychological distress
• you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• you receive a war pensioners’ mobility supplement
• you’ve received a qualifying lump sum under the armed forces and reserve forces (compensation) scheme and have a certified permanent and substantial walking disability

What are the benefits of a blue badge?

Blue badge holders may be entitled to:

• access to designated disabled parking bays
• free parking at on-street meters and pay & display bays in most areas
• parking on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, unless a loading ban applies
• 100% discount on the Central London Congestion Charge after registering with Transport for London, a £10 registration fee applies
• possible toll concessions on certain UK bridges and tunnels
• full exemption from vehicle tax or a 50% reduction, if eligible

Blue badges usually last up to three years.

You can apply on the government website.