Annual Parking Report 2023 to 2024

The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of national on-street parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems, helping them park closer to their destination. There are over 2.5 million Blue Badges on issue in England, approximately 11,000 of which are in Gateshead.

Regrettably, the financial value of the concessions available to Blue Badge holders can result in the scheme being abused. Any misuse of a Blue Badge undermines the scheme and parking spaces are taken away from those who genuinely need them. Gateshead Council is committed to tackling Blue Badge fraud and will take this matter very seriously. 

Misuse can include (but not limited to);

• Using a Blue Badge that is no longer valid
• Using a Blue Badge that has been forged or copied
• Using a Blue Badge that has been reported lost or stolen
• A valid (or invalid) badge that is misused by a family member or friend

Also remember;

• The Blue Badge holder must be travelling in the vehicle for the blue badge to be valid and the journey must be solely for their purpose
• It must not be used by anyone doing business on behalf of the badge holder, when the badge holder is not or has not travelled in the vehicle
• When the badge is displayed, the expiry date and the badge serial number must be visible to an inspecting CEO

If you believe fraudulent misuse of a Blue Badge is taking place, you may report this anonymously by calling 0191 433 2805 or by e-mail at fraudreporting@gateshead.gov.uk

On street disabled bays

In areas of high demand, or in response to acute local need, the Council operates a number of dedicated on street disabled bays within the Borough. These bays may only be used by vehicles which are clearly and correctly displaying a valid Blue Badge which is being used in accordance with the rules of the Blue Badge Scheme. 

In some busier areas, where space is limited, it is necessary for blue badge holders and goods vehicles to share the bays by allowing each group access at different times. The signs there will show who can use the bays at what times. 

Vehicles clearly and correctly displaying a valid Blue Badge and a correctly set time clock can also park on double or single yellow lines, if they are not causing an obstruction and that no other parking restriction prevents them from doing so. For example, blue badges cannot be used where a loading ban is in force, or in bays reserved for other types of vehicles (such as goods vehicles, bus stops, residents). More information on where blue badges may and may not be used is provided in the guidance booklet issued by the Government and sent out with each blue badge.