Blue Badge holders travelling in Europe can now park in a major holiday hotspot, thanks to an agreement between the Department for Transport and Ministry of Disabilities
The disabled parking permit assists people with severe mobility issues or hidden disabilities to park nearer to their destinations.(Image: Tosh Lubek via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers with Blue Badges can now use it in a major holiday hotspot. The disabled parking permit assists people with severe mobility issues or hidden disabilities to park nearer to their destinations. It covers both drivers and passengers.
Now the Department of Transport has struck a deal with Italian authorities so the paperwork can be used in the boot-shaped country.
It builds on a similar arrangement agreed with France, where Brits have been using their permits since August last year. Work is ongoing with Spain to explore similar arrangements for Blue badge holders. Italian visitors travelling to the UK will also benefit, with Italy’s disabled parking permits to be recognised here.
Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “Disabled people shouldn’t have to worry about whether their parking permit will be recognised when travelling abroad. These new arrangements with Italy mean Blue Badge holders can relax and enjoy their trip, with easier access to reserved parking and exemptions from charges, whether they’re travelling for a holiday, visiting family or for work.”
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The definitive status of Blue Badge recognition across European Union nations – together with key neighbouring non-EU countries – falls into several distinct categories.
The Blue Badge is fully or partially recognised in the following countries:
- Austria — Fully
- Belgium —Fully
- Croatia — Fully
- Cyprus — Fully
- Czech Republic — Fully
- Denmark — Fully
- Estonia — Fully
- Finland — Fully
- France — Fully
- Germany —Fully
- Greece — Accepts non-EU parking cards
- Hungary — Fully
- Iceland — Accepts non-EU parking cards
- Ireland — Fully
- Italy —Fully
- Latvia — Fully
- Liechtenstein — Fully
- Lithuania —Fully
- Luxembourg — Accepts non-EU parking cards
- Malta — Fully
- Netherlands — Fully
- Norway — Fully
- Poland — Fully
- Portugal —Fully
- Romania —Fully
- Slovakia — Fully
- Slovenia — May not recognise non-EU-issued parking cards
- Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) — UK Blue Badge recognition decided by local administrations
- Sweden — Fully
- Switzerland — Fully
The DfT cautions that even in nations where the badge is recognised, disabled parking regulations can shift quickly or differ between towns. To steer clear of hefty penalties or vehicle removal, travellers should consult local tourist information centres or local authorities before departing.
Certain countries demand a local parking notice or clock disc be shown alongside the Blue Badge. The DfT also suggests carrying a doctor’s letter or a translated version of your Blue Badge, particularly when entering countries with stricter enforcement policies.
When parking you should always:
- look for any signage indicating disabled parking spaces
- make sure that your Blue Badge is displayed correctly and that you comply with any additional requirements, such as displaying a parking disc in countries such as Denmark