Following the successful introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement in Gloucester, the city council and its contractor NCP Services has issued new guidance to disabled drivers.One of the key benefits of properly managed parking regulations is increased ease of access for disabled drivers using Blue Badges.

However, NCP Services parking attendants have spoken to a number of Blue Badge holders within the city who are confused about the rules.

"Customer service is an important part of our job, and we expect to spend a great deal of time on street helping the public with queries about the parking regulations, "said Tim Cowen, of NCP Services.

"Since we started operating in Gloucester a few weeks ago, we have had a number of Blue Badge holders approaching our parking attendants on street, and asking questions about issues such as the right way to display Blue Badges, where they can park, and for how long

"We are, of course, delighted to help, and we thought it might be useful to publicise some simple guidance for Blue Badge holders to help clear up any confusion.

Key points for Blue Badge holders to remember are:

• The badge must have the Expiry Date, Serial Number and Issuing Authority visible and facing upwards.
• The photograph must be facing down
• Blue badge holders can park on double yellow or single yellow lines for up to three hours  - but they must display a time clock showing when  they parked
• Blue badge holders are not allowed to park on Double Kerb Markings. This is two vertical stripes going from the top of the kerb to the road edge. 
• Blue badge holders can park in a disabled bay without a time clock, unless otherwise stated on a time plate. 

• An out of date badge must be renewed within two weeks.

• Blue Badge holders are not allowed to park in a Bus Stop - during hours of operation –  Taxi ranks, red routes or Urban Clearways.

• Blue Badges can only be used if the badge holder is using the vehicle.

• Police officers, parking attendants and Civil Enforcement Officers have the power to inspect Blue Badges.

Tim Cowen commented: "It is important to ensure ease of parking for Blue Badge holders and we hope that by publicising these simple rules we will help achieve this.

"We will be aiming to publicise this locally and also to display the guidance on our website – www.ncpservices.co.uk.

"Of course, Blue Badge holders – or anyone else who wants to check parking regulations – is urged to speak to one of our parking attendants. They will be happy to help."

For further information contact Tim Cowen on 020 7290 2345.