Blue badges can be enable disabeld people to go out without fear of not being able to park close enough to their destination. Medical and health appointments, shopping, visiting friends and family, socialising, or enjoying arts and culture can be much less daunting with the knowledge that parking close to your destination is an option.

Read on for more about how to apply and where to park in Eastbourne. 

Eligibility

You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
• you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

How to apply

Apply online here.

What you’ll need to supply

You’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.

You’ll also need a photo or scan of your:

• proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
• proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
• proof of benefits (if you get any)

You’ll also need to know:

• your National Insurance number (if you have one)
• the details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying)

How to send your documents to East Sussex County Council:

If you are applying online, you can add digital photos or scans of your documents to the application.

All supporting documents must be sent within 14 days or your application will be cancelled.

You can also post your documents:
Blue Badge Team
East Sussex County Council
3rd Floor St Mary’s House
52 St Leonard’s Road
Eastbourne BN21 3UU

Information about Blue Badge Parking in Eastbourne

For Blue Badge bays in the town centre there is usually a three hour time limit. Always read the signs to check parking time allowed. 

Free parking is also available in the Council car parks but be aware there is a time limit of 2 hours in the Hyde Gardens off-street parking area.

The multi-storey car parks (Arndale, Junction Road and Trinity Place) do charge for all vehicles but the Arndale Centre is free for all on Sundays. In other car parks be sure to read the information signs.

Always place your blue badge and clock, set at the time of arrival, facing upwards on your dashboard so it can easily be seen and always remember to read the road signage and markings before parking and leaving your car.

Blue Badge holders must not park in goods vehicle loading only bays, doctor bays, taxi ranks, bus stops, or on pedestrian crossing zigzags, school ‘keep clear’ markings, or in bays which have been suspended.

Eastbourne Access Group provide a wealth of information about Eastbourne, including their guide to accessible parking in Eastbourne.

Parking in Eastbourne

Parkopedia is an online guide to parking availability, with prices in Eastbourne:

 Vehicle tax reduction with PIP

You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the PIP standard rate mobility component.

The vehicle should be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name. The Government's website had more information. 

Motability with PIP

If you are awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP (ERMC PIP) and have 12 months or more remaining on your current allowance, you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

We would always ask you to check the parking options, availability or restrictions before you travel.