What a disabled parking bay is
A disabled parking bay is a space on a public road, marked by a white line and the word ‘disabled’. Some bays may have a wheelchair symbol.
The parking bay lets you park close to your home, but they are not limited to your use.
How to apply for a disabled parking bay
You can apply if you meet all three of the criteria below. You must have:
- a valid Blue Badge registered to your current address
- a vehicle registered to your current address, either as the main owner/driver or because you live with the main owner/driver
- no suitable off street parking at your current address
If your Blue Badge was not issued by Essex County Council, you must contact the issuing local authority and request they transfer your badge details to Essex County Council before beginning your application. This process usually takes around 10 working days.
Your Blue Badge must be registered to the address on your parking bay application.
How long the process takes
It can take up to 12 months between an application being approved and a parking bay being marked on the road, though in some cases it might be longer.
If you do not meet the criteria for a disabled parking bay
There may still be support available if you do not meet the criteria for a bay but are struggling with your mobility. In exceptional circumstances this could include a disabled parking bay, even if you do not meet the criteria. To find out what support is available, contact:
- adult social care if you are over 18
- children's social care of you need support for a child in your care
Reasons why you might not be able to have a disabled parking bay
Not all sites may be suitable for a bay despite the circumstances and needs of the applicant.
Applications can only be made for bays on public roads. Essex County Council do not mark bays on land which is not under the control of Essex County Council, even if you are deemed to be eligible for a bay.
Some applications meet all the criteria but are still rejected. This could be because the bay would:
- be located on land which is not under the control of Essex County Council
- put you or other road users in danger
- be opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction
- block a turning point in the road
- be in a clearway/no stopping restriction
- be in close proximity to junctions or roundabouts, where visibility may be affected
- be located on a road which is narrower than 4.8 metres (15 feet)
- be located on a verge, as this would involve construction work which is not within the remit of parking bay service
Apply for a disabled parking bay
Report a problem with a disabled parking bay
If a disabled person's parking bay is repeatedly used by road users without a Blue Badge, we will consider making a Traffic Regulation Order.
This will result in a disabled parking sign being put up next to the parking space.
It can take up to 18 months for a Traffic Regulation Order to be completed, though in some cases it may take longer.
To apply for a Traffic Regulation Order, contact Essex Highways.
If a disabled parking sign is already up, contact the Parking Partnership instead.
Removing a parking bay
If a disabled parking bay is no longer needed, please contact us.
It can take up to 12 months to remove a disabled parking bay, though in some cases it might be longer.
If we assess that the disabled parking bay needs to be there, we may refuse your request to have it removed.
Highway enquiries
If your query is about a pothole, streetlight, or other road issue, we will ask you to report it online first.
Telephone: 0345 603 7631
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Resident parking schemes
Resident parking schemes are operated by the Parking Partnership.
Renew or transfer an M parking permit
You cannot apply for a new M permit anymore. Existing M Permit holders can apply to renew.
Residents can apply for transfers for existing M permit bays which are no longer used by the original M permit holder.
You will need to provide a copy of either your:
- V5 vehicle registration document
- mobility lease agreement confirming that the vehicle is registered to your address
Decisions about M permit renewals and transfers
South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) makes decisions about M permit renewals and transfers. They will tell you when your permit is due for renewal.