We are fully committed to promoting the needs of all people with disabilities. To this end Parking Services are currently reviewing all its off street car parks in relation to the needs of people with disabilities, whether motorists, passengers in vehicles or pedestrians passing through.

Tendring District Council Parking Services recognises that the current European wide blue badge scheme offers considerable benefits. However the scheme can be abused and there are at present approximately 12,000 blue badges in circulation in the Tendring District alone. Therefore whilst Tendring District Council recognises the legal rights of blue badge holders on street and further to this provides 3 free hours parking in all its off street car parks, blue badge holders are required to use the concessions provided by the scheme in accordance with the terms and conditions provided to them when issued.

We understand that restrictions can vary from district to district and for this reason, we have created this information page to assist blue badge holders when parking in Tendring.

I HAVE A BLUE BADGE WHERE CAN I PARK?

Before utilising the benefits of the blue badge, you must remember to CLEARLY display the badge with the expiry side of your badge showing (i.e. DO NOT display your photo side of the badge). You must also set your clock to your time of arrival.

If parking on single or double yellow lines you are entitled to park for up to three hours (please note exceptions to this under Where Can't I park?).

If parking in a time restricted bay (i.e 1 hour no return with 4) you may park all day with your badge displayed.

If parking in a car park, you may park in any Tendring District Council pay and display car park for 3 hours free of charge providing your badge is displayed and clock set (please note we DO NOT operate the NCP car parks).

You may park in any on-street disabled bay with your badge correctly displayed. Most bays of this type allow you to park all day. Where disabled on street bays are time restricted, the sign nearby will advise what time limit there is to your parking.

WHERE CAN'T I PARK?

• On double or single yellow lines where there are adjacent kerb markings (please see the blue badge information booklet for full details on loading bans).
• You may not park in/on loading bays, taxi ranks or any other parking place reserved for specific users AT ANY TIME.
• Residents parking only zones. A visitor or residents permit must be displayed at all times. Please note it is not permissible for a blue badge holder to park on yellow lines, within the residents parking bays, in front of driveways (even with the householders permission), and it is also not permitted for blue badge holders to park in designated disabled parking bays in roads or streets restricted for residents only. A visitors permit must be obtained.
• On pedestrian crossings or zig zag markings.
• Close to junctions, traffic lights or any other area likely to cause a danger to pedestrians or traffic congestion as stated in the blue badge scheme information booklet.

Please note that full and detailed information can be found in the Blue Badge Scheme information booklet that you received when your badge was issued.

The Blue Badge Scheme is administered by Essex County Council Social Services. For this reason Tendring District Council are unable to assist you with non parking related blue badge enquiries. If you have a parking related query, please contact Parking Services on 01255 686969 (during office hours). For any blue badge queries Social Services can be contacted on 0845 6037630.