Disabled parking in London
Transport for London provides a large number of Blue Badge parking spaces across the capital. These parking spaces are usually marked with a wheelchair sign, and allow improved accessibility to many areas of London for disabled motorists.
Blue Badge parking spaces often have strict time limits and drop-off restrictions, so make sure to check the parking information before leaving your vehicle. The Blue Badge permit is only valid when the holder is driving the vehicle or travelling as a passenger, and cannot be used if the owner is not present. Your permit and parking clock must be displayed in the front windscreen at all times to avoid a penalty fine.
Kensington and Chelsea, the City of London, Westminster and some areas of Camden operate their own disabled parking schemes. See Disabled Motoring UK for more information on parking restrictions in these parts of London.
Blue Badge permits are not available for international visitors. However, overseas travellers may be able to use the European Parking Model Card alongside a registered EU disabled parking permit, with permission from the area’s local authority and police.
Blue Badge holders are also entitled to exemption from the London Congestion Charge. Visit Transport for London for more information on how to apply for this discount.
Accessible parking at London attractions
You can find wheelchair-friendly and disabled parking spaces at many of London’s top attractions, including the following:
- ZSL London Zoo has six disabled parking spaces close to the main entrance.
- British Museum has free Blue Badge parking which must be booked in advance.
- Tate Modern offers free accessible parking for visitors.
- Tower Bridge reserves five Blue Badge parking bays at a nearby car park.
- Imperial War Museum London has free Blue Badge parking available on-site.
- Royal Albert Hall provides 10 free parking spaces for disabled visitors.
- Kew Gardens offers free disabled parking for Blue Badge holders.
Make sure to contact the venue in advance to register and to ensure that a parking space is available during your visit. You can find more information about parking at London attractions with DisabledGo’s access guides.
Q-Park provides secure and convenient parking in Central London for disabled motorists. You can find accessible parking spaces close to Tower Bridge, Oxford Street, and West End theatres in Soho and Leicester Square. Alternatively, Parkopedia can help you to locate available disabled parking spots in London.
Disabled parking at London shopping centres
If you’re looking to enjoy a spot of shopping in London, Westfield London offers four hours of free parking for Blue Badge holders. Brent Cross Shopping Centre has 68 disabled parking spaces and more than 100 shops to browse. There’s accessible parking at wheelchair-friendly Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, and Angel Central Shopping Centre in Islington also has disabled parking available for shoppers.
Many of London’s shopping centres are part of the Shopmobility scheme, which provides a range of free mobility equipment for use by disabled visitors.
Accessible car hire in London
There are many London car hire companies that can provide a range of wheelchair-friendly and adapted vehicles. Visit Disabled Motoring UK for more information on hiring an accessible vehicle for your trip to London.
For more information about London accessibility, make sure to check out DisabledGo’s detailed access guides or book your trip to London with Disabled Access Holidays.