This scheme allows those who have a Blue Badge to park for free in our Pay and Display car parks for a year. To be eligible for the scheme you must have a vehicle registered for Disabled tax. The permit must be applied for and evidence submitted each year therefore we do not accept applications over the telephone.
You will need to provide a copy of one of the documents below:
- the V5C (vehicle registration) document. Please ensure the copy you send shows the Disabled tax class this can be found on the second page (inside front cover).
- the Vehicle's Motability registration certificate which must show the new registration number. Please note this is different to the confirmation letter/email from Motability.
Motability customers will not hold the original V5C registration document. However, Motability are more than happy to provide the necessary certificate.
You can request this via the Motability website.
We cannot accept any other documentation. V5C registration documents which have the new address handwritten on will be refused.
This scheme is not limited to Cornish residents.
Please read the terms and conditions to see how the disabled exemption scheme tickets work.
How much will it cost?
To maintain this as a cost-neutral service we need to make a small charge to register a vehicle. This cost is currently £10 per year.
There is a separate scheme for registering if you have a Blue Badge and an adapted vehicle for a disabled person.
Adapted vehicle exemption scheme
When to apply
You can apply for a new permit up to 30 days in advance but must be at least 5 days before you need the permit to start.
When using our online system permit you will see that you cannot select your ticket to start on a date less than 5 days in advance.
How to apply or renew
You can apply for an exemption using the online permit system link below.
If you have not used the online permit system before you will need to create an account. Please keep details of your account login and password as you will need it again.
Things to have ready before you apply
- You must have your V5C registration document
or - Motability registration certificate
No other forms of documentation can be accepted.
It is very important that you only provide the documents as detailed above.
If you provide any other documents we will not be able to approve your application. It will also delay the date on which you may be able to start parking.
To renew your annual permit
- log in to your account and go to your permit by hovering on your name on the top right of the screen
- Select "Bookings" from the pop up menu
- Go to the permit you wish renew and hover on the three vertical dots under "Actions".
- Select the "Renew" option from the pop up menu.
Please see our guidance on using our online permit system to renew your current permit.
What happens next?
Your application needs to be checked and approved.
When you apply you will get an email to confirm your application has been received.
If your application for the scheme is approved you will get a second email (up to 5 days later) to confirm we have approved your permit. In that email there will be a link so that you can make your £10 payment securely online.
You can only park once you have paid for your permit and received a third email confirming your payment and permit details.
If you are unable to apply using the online permit system or don't have anyone who can use the system for you, please contact 0300 1234 222.
Parking Services Data Protection information
Check the details of your registration
You can use the link above any time you need to, to check the details of your permit for the scheme. In your account you can find:
- the expiry date
- whether your payment for your application has been successful
Displaying your Blue Badge
If you are using your permit to park a vehicle in a Cornwall Council car park you must still display a valid Blue Badge and clock.
You must also abide by the other appropriate rules.
Failure to do so and you could be subject to receiving a penalty charge notice.
How to change your details
Changes can be requested via the online permit system but will require new evidence. You will need to provide a copy of the new V5C registration document or Motability registration certificate. Please read the terms and conditions.
We are not able to change vehicle registrations over the telephone.
To request a change via email please contact us at parking.permits@cornwall.gov.uk attaching your new document.
Changes to our system can take up to 5 days to process so they need to be advised in advance.
You can call 0300 1234 222 for advice or to send a message to the Permit Team.
Annual Applications
You can renew your permit via the online permit system each year.
You can request an text message and/or email reminder.
We must have confirmation that you are eligible for the exemption each year. This means you will need to provide one of the documents again:
- a V5C registration document
or - Motability registration certificate
How does the exemption scheme work?
You will not receive a permit to display in your vehicle as we use an electronic system.
Once approved, the vehicle details will be automatically loaded onto:
- the Enforcement Officers hand-held devices
and - the Car Park barrier system
When checking our car parks they will be able to see that the vehicle is registered and does not require a pay and display ticket.
For our Pay on Foot (Barrier) car park, the barrier will raise automatically and no payment will be required.
Adapted vehicles
There is a different free parking exemption scheme for the disabled if you have an adapted vehicle.
You will need to register with us for an adapted parking permit if you are wanting to park in our Pay and Display or Pay on Exit (barrier) car parks.
Information about the permit can be found on our page How to apply if you have a vehicle adapted for a disabled person