A major UK region is set to introduce new parking rules later this month, with the aim of specifically benefiting Blue Badge holders.
The Department for Infrastructure has announced changes across Northern Ireland that will create additional accessible parking spaces across the region.
The Parking Places (Disabled Persons' Vehicles) (Amendment No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 will come into operation on Thursday, May 22.
The new rules will establish parking places with unlimited waiting in several locations, including Ardglass, Ballymoney, Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Donaghadee, Dungannon, Magherafelt, Newtownards and Portaferry.
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Drivers can be fined for parking in disabled bays without having a Blue Badge
GETTYUnder the new measures, some existing parking places in Belfast and Omagh will be removed to make way for more accessible spots.
The new rules will create 20 additional parking places with unlimited waiting for Blue Badge holders across Northern Ireland. These include multiple locations in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
Specific new parking bays include Isabella Way in Ardglass, Henry Street in Ballymoney, and several streets in Belfast such as Cavendish Square, Colinmill, Eliza Street Close, Joanmount Park, Ligoniel Road and Thorndale Avenue.
The statutory rule also removes six existing parking places, with five being on the High Street in Omagh and one on Reid Street in Belfast.
The Department for Infrastructure consulted on the notices before finalising the changes, with only two objections received.
The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems, allowing them to park closer to their destinations.
To qualify for a Blue Badge, applicants must either receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, receive eight points or more under the 'moving around' activity for Personal Independence Payment, or meet other specific criteria.
Meanwhile, for drivers aged 65 or over, the rules dictate that they only need to be Blue Badge holders to apply for an accessible parking bay.
Blue Badges are issued for a maximum of three years, with shorter periods for those whose benefit awards end sooner.
Applying for a Blue Badge in Northern Ireland can be done online or by post. The application costs £10 and can be paid for by card for online applications or by cheque or postal order for postal submissions.
Applicants must provide a recent colour passport-type photograph signed on the back, measuring 45mm in height and 35mm in width.
Supporting documentation is also required. Those applying under automatic eligibility criteria must include their statement of entitlement, letter of award or certificate.
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More than 2.5 million drivers across the UK possess a Blue Badge GETTY Applicants with mobility issues are advised to include medical evidence to support their application.
Processing times are typically four to six weeks for online applications and six to eight weeks for postal submissions.
The Department for Infrastructure periodically checks bays to ensure they are still needed.
In some locations, time restrictions may apply to the use of accessible parking bays, particularly on busier roads.
