1 What is a disabled bay?
If you hold a Blue Badge, as a disabled driver you may be entitled to an on-street parking bay if you do not have access to off-street parking, such as a driveway or garage.
These bays can help to ensure a parking space is available outside your home (or as near to it as possible), although they are not limited to a specific individual's use. They are advisory and do not have any legal standing - the police and West Sussex County Council cannot take any action should other motorists choose to park in the bay.
If a disabled bay is in a Controlled Parking Zone this will have clear signage and these bays are enforceable. You should only park in these bays if you are a Blue Badge holder.
2 Who can apply for a disabled bay?
An applicant must meet certain criteria before they will be considered for a disabled bay. These include:
- having severe mobility problems
- being a Blue Badge holder
- being the main owner/driver or living with the main owner/driver
- having no alternative place to park their vehicle off-street
- being in receipt of certain disability benefits
The requested location must also be within the remit of the public highway.
Meeting the criteria does not automatically ensure a disabled parking bay. The local area team will need to consider any site-specific constraints such as:
- whether the location is situated on a junction or bend in the road
- if there is a restricted width of carriageway which could compromise road safety
- existing parking restrictions
Residents' Parking Scheme
If you live in a Residents' Parking Scheme (RPS) and have a Blue Badge, you may be entitled to a free first permit to park in a residents-only bay, so a disabled bay may not be required.
If your application is approved the bay must have a sign and be made formal under a Traffic Regulation Order, which is a democratic/legal process, before it can become mandatory and enforceable. However, it may be possible to have an advisory bay, as a temporary solution, in advance of the democratic/legal process being carried out.
3 Apply for a disabled bay
Before starting your online application, make sure you have the following information ready. Where applicable, you will need to attach:
- a photocopy of your Blue Badge
- proof of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- proof of Attendance Allowance
- proof of Personal Independence Payment (please include pages that show PIP points received)
- photos showing where you would like the bay
- any supporting documents from your doctor or occupational therapist
If you do not have the facility to scan documents, your local library will be able to help.
Disabled bay online application form (external link)Once we have received your completed form, it may take up to 4 weeks for us to assess your application. We will contact you once we have made a decision.
4 What happens once the bay has been approved
If your application is approved it will be added to a schedule of works with our contractor. This may mean that is takes a further 3 months for your bay to be marked out.