Drivers have been warned that the Blue Badge scheme does not give motorists the ability to park everywhere for free with experts warning of fines.
In the City of London, the scheme is not “fully operational” with only 200 free bays available for Blue Badge holders.
Wherever a vehicle is parked drivers must display the clock and the Blue Badge so that the serial number, expiry date and the issuing authority are clearly displayed.
If a badge is incorrectly displayed or in a “non-authorised area”, it may result in a parking fine or a penalty charge notice, the district authority warned.
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Blue Badge holders cannot park in certain areas or they could be fined
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In the capital, the disabled bays can be used for four hours on weekdays and around six hours near St Bartholomew's Hospital with there being no time limit at the weekend.
However, while badge holders have priority parking across the country, there are limitations which drivers should be aware of.
Blue Badge holders cannot park in a suspended bay, on single or double yellow lines or where there is a loading restriction indicated by yellow chevrons on the kerb stone.
They also cannot park on the pavement or footway, in a bus lane or in a bay reserved for specific users or where there is a dropped kerb or raised carriageway.
Drivers in the City of London can apply for the Red Badge scheme, which is specific to the region.
The badge allows drivers to park at payment parking bays and disabled bays without paying and on a single yellow line for a period of 30 minutes.
But, just like Blue Badge holders, Red Badge holders cannot park in a suspended bay, on double yellow lines or where there is a loading restriction indicated by yellow chevrons on the kerb stone.
Restrictions also apply to the pavement or footway, in a bus lane, a bay reserved for specific users or where there is a dropped kerb or raised carriageway.
Because Blue Badge holders have parking exemptions, it has led to drivers admitting to misusing the scheme for their own benefit.
A recent report highlighted how more than two-thirds of drivers admitted they had witnessed someone misusing a disabled parking space.
If someone is found to be illegally using a Blue Badge, they can be hit with a £1,000 fine and the permit could be taken off them.
According to Department for Transport data, there are currently 2.5 million Blue Badge holders in the UK, up from 2.4 million in 2022.
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There are over two million Blue Badge holders in the UK
GETTYIn 2021, the number of drivers who were prosecuted for misusing the Blue Badge system was 698, with London having the most cases, followed by the West Midlands and Yorkshire.