Blue Badge holders could take advantage of their parking privileges across numerous European nations, according to fresh guidance.
The Department for Transport updated its advice, which confirms that UK drivers with disability parking permits can be accepted in more than 25 countries throughout Europe, offering significant benefits for travellers with mobility challenges.
The DfT’s revised guidance provided comprehensive details about which European destinations honour UK Blue Badges and outlines specific requirements for each nation.
Around 2.8 million Blue Badge holders can access designated parking spaces and associated concessions when visiting popular holiday destinations.
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GETTY | More than 2.8 million drivers across the UK possess a Blue BadgeAmong the most visited European destinations accepting UK Blue Badges are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
Switzerland also recognises the permits, although visitors must display a parking clock when utilising time-based concessions.
Denmark similarly accepts British Blue badges but requires drivers to use a parking disc for timed parking allowances in the country.
Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg and Romania welcome parking cards issued outside the EU, while France might not acknowledge non-EU permits.
GETTY
|Drivers with Blue Badges can use their parking benefit across European destinations
Italy presents a more complex situation, with disability parking cards from non-EU nations accepted only in certain regions.
Spain's approach varies further, as individual local administrations determine whether to honour UK Blue Badges, creating a patchwork of recognition across the country.
Several nations impose additional conditions beyond simply displaying the Blue Badge, with Lithuania mirroring Italy's approach, with non-EU parking permits recognised only in specific areas.
Slovenia and France potentially reject parking cards issued outside the EU entirely, while Bulgaria provides no definitive information about Blue Badge acceptance.
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Motorists must remain vigilant about local variations, as parking regulations can differ significantly within individual countries.
The transport authority explained that rules may have changed since the guidance was last updated, making it essential to verify current requirements before travelling.
Tourist information centres can offer valuable insights into regional parking rules for disabled visitors and highlight any particular restrictions or requirements in specific areas.
Travellers should also always check for signage marking disabled parking bays and ensure their Blue Badge is properly displayed alongside any supplementary documentation required locally.
PA | Blue Badge holders can park abroad in more than 25 countries
The DfT advised carrying supplementary documents when travelling, particularly medical certificates or translated versions of Blue Badges, especially when visiting nations with more stringent parking regulations.
Before departing, Blue Badge holders should investigate specific parking rules for their intended destination and contact relevant local authorities for current information.
Essential steps include researching regional parking regulations, confirming whether the destination country requires additional local parking notices alongside the Blue Badge, and understanding any time restrictions or special requirements.