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Blue Badges are for drivers, passengers or children with severe mobility problems and for those who are registered blind. The scheme allows badge holders to access goods, services and facilities which they would otherwise be unable to access, by allowing them to park closer to their destination. The scheme applies only to on-street parking.
Having a certain condition or disability does not mean you will be awarded a Blue Badge. Each application will be considered on an individual case-by-case basis.
In all cases, the purpose of issuing a Badge is to enable the applicant to undertake journeys that would not otherwise be possible, or which are only possible with very considerable difficulty.
More information can be found on the Kirklees Council website | Blue Parking Badges
The Disabled Persons Railcard is a discount card for train tickets that lets people living with disabilities save up to 1/3 on rail travel. If you travel with an adult family member, carer, or friend, both people can get the discount, and you can use it on any ticket across the UK rail network.
You can apply for a Disabled Person's Railcard on the Trainline website (opens link in new window)
You can apply for these passes on the Disabled and blind person's travel pass webpage (opens link in new window)
Out and About travel training is a service for young people and adults with learning disabilities (including autism spectrum conditions) who would like to be able to make a journey by themselves on foot or by bus or train. Trained staff from the Community Enablement Team at Kirklees Council will support you.
The National Autistic Society provides useful guides on driving, school transport, and road safety.
National Autistic Society transport page (opens in a new window).
For some children and young people with a disability, standard accessible toilets are not suitable for them, as they require more equipment and space
Changing Place toilets have additional facilities and space which allow those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, as well as other profound disabilities, to have access to a toilet when they are out and about.
Changing Places has created a map you can use to find these special Changing Places toilets when out and about.
You can click the image to the right to open the Changing Places Map
Below are the other modes of transport you can travel on, with information on accessibility and how to gain support.
You can give National Rail train companies advance notice if you think you’ll need any help from staff.
You can also check if a station has accessible facilities.
Wheelchairs on trains
On mainline (intercity, suburban and cross-country) trains there’s space for your wheelchair. Put your chair in this space and use the brakes (or switch your wheelchair’s power off) when the train’s moving.
How to get help
All licensed train companies must be able to tell you:
This is called an Accessible Travel Policy (ATP). You can get a copy of an ATP from the train company.
Disabled person’s railcard
If you’re eligible you can get up to a third off rail tickets by applying for a disabled person’s railcard. You must provide evidence of a relevant disability.
Tell your airline at least 48 hours before departure if you’ll need help.
Airlines and airports have different facilities for disabled people. Find out from your airport or airline if they have the facilities you need, for example a toilet with disabled access.
Help at the airport
If you have a sensory, physical or learning disability which affects your mobility when using transport, at airports in the UK and EU you have the right to:
You’ll also have the right to help because of your age or a temporary illness or injury - for example if you’ve broken your leg and it’s in a cast.
You can travel with up to 2 items of mobility equipment free of charge if you’re disabled. This will not count as part of your baggage allowance.
Help on the plane
If you have a sensory, physical or learning disability which affects your mobility on a flight, in the UK and EU you have the right to:
Taking your wheelchair on the plane
You cannot take your own wheelchair into the passenger cabin of a plane - it will be stored in the hold. Speak to your airline to find out what help they’ll provide when boarding.
Tell your airline, travel agent or tour operator as soon as possible if you’re taking on a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid.
Travelling with a companion
You must travel with a companion if you’re not self reliant, for example if you need help with feeding, breathing, using medication or using the toilet.
The airline you’re flying with will do their best to make sure you sit next to each other, so long as you tell them at least 48 hours before departure.
Travelling with an assistance dog
You have the right to travel with your assistance dog. You’ll need to follow the rules on pet travel.
Contact the DVLA to find out what you need to do if you’re driving and you have a medical condition or disability, for example learning to drive and getting insured.
You may be able to get a Blue Badge so you can park closer to where you want to go.
The Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme can help you with leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.
Buses and coaches
You can get a bus pass for free travel if you’re disabled. Passes from councils in England can be used anywhere in England:
For travel outside of these times, contact the relevant council.
Help getting on and off
The law says bus and coach drivers must give reasonable assistance to disabled people, for example by helping them get on and off the bus or coach. This does not mean physically lifting passengers or heavy mobility equipment.
If you need help to get on and off a coach, you should ask for this when you book your ticket.
Wheelchair access
In some areas (mainly larger cities), licensed taxis have to be wheelchair accessible.
To find out if there are accessible taxis near you, contact the taxi licensing office at your local council.
Assistance dogs
If you travel with an assistance dog they must be allowed into the taxi or minicab with you, unless the driver has an exemption certificate. This can be issued if they’ve got a medical condition made worse by contact with dogs.
A driver with an exemption certificate will have a ‘Notice of Exemption’ notice on their vehicle windscreen.
It’s illegal to be charged extra to travel in a taxi or minicab with an assistance dog. Otherwise the driver could be fined up to £1,000.
The following types of dog can be taken with you in taxis or minicabs:
Travelling with your dog
Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have been told how to identify assistance dogs.
Your assistance dog should wear its harness or identification jacket when you are travelling with it. If an identification card was issued for the dog, this should also be carried.
Dogs should remain on the floor and under control at all times. If your dog causes any damage to the vehicle, the driver could ask you to pay for it.
You can get help if you’re disabled and travelling on any of the following:
If you need to make specific arrangements for your journey (for example if you have certain accommodation or seating requirements), you should tell the cruise line, ferry service, travel agent or tour operator at least 48 hours before departure.
Travelling with a carer
You should let the cruise line or ferry service know if you need to travel with a carer. On a ferry, your carer might be able to travel for free.
Help getting on and off
Tell the cruise line or ferry service at least 48 hours before departure if you need help getting on and off the ship.
Shop mobility (opens link in new window) lends wheelchairs and powered scooters to people who are disabled so they can shop or visit leisure facilities in a town, city or shopping centre.
en-GBLast updated: 16/09/2026