Drivers urged to put photocopy of Blue Badge in windscreen

Drivers are being told they can use a photocopy of a Blue Badge in their windscreen to avoid being slapped with a parking fine in a very specific circumstance.

Normally, only an original Blue Badge will be accepted by parking wardens as proof of eligibility to park in a disabled bay under the rules of the Blue Badge scheme. But this creates a problem for people who are going on holiday and need to leave their Blue Badge in their car windscreen for the airport parking, yet still need their Blue Badge with them when they get to their holiday destination. As a result, Leeds Bradford Airport has come up with a solution for drivers to get around this issue - using a photocopy.

A photocopy of a Blue Badge will be accepted if you need to take your original Blue Badge with you, according to the rules of Leeds Bradford Airport.

Its FAQ section says: “If you need to retain your Blue Badge for your travels, please display a photocopy of your badge in your windscreen.

“The disabled parking area is checked regularly and your car may be clamped or a fixed penalty fine issued if there is no sign of disabled parking entitlement.”

London Heathrow has a similar rule around Blue Badge parking, although it does not require a photocopy to be left in your windscreen.

Instead, it says that those going on holiday who need to take their Blue Badge with them should find an operator to show it to, thereby confirming eligibility for disabled parking before they board their flight.

Heathrow Airport says: “The Blue badge scheme operates in all car parks.

“If you wish to park in blue badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine or by using a help point telephone and asking that the operator be contacted.”

According to Motability, some airports in the UK allow still charge for parking for Blue Badge holders.

It says: “Your Blue Badge may allow you to park in UK airports free of charge. Some airports will give you some free time or discounted prices. But you will probably have to pay for parking at most UK airports even if you have a Blue Badge.

“The good news is that Blue Badge holders usually have easier-to-access parking options and 24-hour assistance to get to and from these parking spaces.”