Blue Badge & Concessionary Travel

Bespoke Service

We deliver flexible, tailor-made solutions designed around the needs of each authority and its preferred operating model. Our services range from fully managed end-to-end assessment and administration services through to the provision of highly trained and experienced Expert Assessors for individual or short-term assessment requirements.

Assessment Approach

Over three decades, we have developed market-leading assessment processes that promote consistency, transparency and equitable decision-making. Our approach ensures that applicants are treated with dignity and respect while supporting local authorities to make evidence-based decisions that stand up to scrutiny.

Reassurance for Local Authorities

We are proud to have delivered services for numerous local authorities across the UK, building long-standing partnerships based on quality, reliability and professional expertise. Our assessors are experienced in managing complex cases and delivering assessments that balance compassion with robust clinical and functional evaluation.

Blue Badge – Automatic Eligibility (“Eligible without further assessment”)

Applicants aged over 3 years qualify automatically if they:



• Receive Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
• Receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with:
• 8+ points for Moving Around, OR
• 10 points (Descriptor E) for Planning & Following Journeys (overwhelming psychological distress)
• Are registered severely sight impaired (blind)
• Receive War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Receive qualifying award under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (Tariffs 1–8) with permanent walking difficulty.
  

Disabled Parking Bay (Residential)

Medical Eligibility

Applicant must receive one of:



• DLA Higher Rate Mobility, OR 
• PIP Mobility (10+ points – Moving Around), OR 
• PIP (10 points, Descriptor E – Psychological distress preventing journeys), OR 
• Higher Rate Attendance Allowance, OR
• Equivalent confirmed via professional assessment.

Additional Requirements

• Must hold a valid Blue Badge 
• Vehicle driver (if not applicant) must live at same address 
• Special consideration for children under 3 (case-by-case, e.g. bulky medical equipment) 
  

Taxicard – Automatic Eligibility

Applicants qualify automatically if they provide proof of:

• Higher Rate Mobility DLA
• PIP (8+ points for Moving Around)
• Severely sight impaired / blind registration
• War Pension Mobility Supplement
• Armed Forces Independence Payment 

Core Principle

Applicant must be unable to use public transport due to disability. 

Not Eligible (General Exclusions)

• Psychological conditions alone (e.g. phobias, anxiety)
• Learning disabilities (unless affecting physical mobility)
• Hearing or speech impairments alone
• Temporary conditions (<2 years)
• General inconvenience rather than significant mobility barrier 

Non-Automatic Applicants

Require: 

• Medical evidence (GP/consultant report)
• Functional assessment (often by an Occupational Therapist)

Focus is on practical ability to use public transport safely and independently.

Detailed Functional Criteria

Core Test: Is the applicant unable to use public transport due to disability? 

Assessment Route

• Medical report + OT assessment 
• Must demonstrate: 
• Inability to access transport 
• Safety concerns 
• Lack of independence when travelling 

Key Message for Assessors

• Focus on functional impact, not diagnosis alone 
• Use objective measures (distance, speed, safety, distress) 
• Apply consistent thresholds across schemes 
• Clearly document: 
• Evidence reviewed 
• Assessment findings 
• Rationale for recommendation 
  

Freedom Pass (Disabled Persons) – Statutory Criteria

Under the Transport Act 2000, eligibility includes seven categories - an applicant must meet at least one:

1. Blind or partially sighted
2. Profoundly or severely deaf
3. Without speech
4. Substantial and long-term difficulty walking 
5. No arms / loss of use of both arms
6. Learning disability (significant impairment of intelligence & social functioning)
7. Medically unfit to drive (under Road Traffic Act 1988)

Key Assessment Principles

Duration: condition must last 12+ month or be likely to last/recur over that period.

Impact: must have a substantial effect on day-to-day activities 

Automatic Eligibility (Recommended Evidence Routes)

• Higher Rate Mobility DLA 
• PIP (8+ points Moving Around or Communicating Verbally) 
• War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement 
• Blue Badge (in some cases) 

Walking Ability – Functional Guidance

Applicants may qualify if they cannot walk at all or are virtually unable to walk, considering: 

• Distance 
• Speed 
• Pain/discomfort 
• Manner of walking 

Distance Benchmarks

• Up to 27 metres → likely eligible 
• 27–64 metres → likely eligible 
• Over 64 metres → consider other factors (e.g. very slow pace, severe pain) 

Independent Assessment

• Recommended where eligibility is unclear 
• Should be carried out by: 
• Occupational Therapists 
• Physiotherapists 
• Focus on functional mobility, not just diagnosis 
• GP input should be factual only, not opinion-based
  

Final Decision

The assessor recommends eligibility and the local authority reviews and makes the final determination 

Each local authority has its own eligibility criteria for Taxi Cards and disabled parking bays. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your local authority to confirm the criteria that apply in your area. Please click on the link for your area or click here to find your local council.