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New analysis from My Car Reg Check has revealed where Blue Badges are most widely used across England, highlighting the areas with the highest demand for mobility support.
By breaking down official government data, the study shows that while larger counties tend to record the highest number of Blue Badges overall, it is smaller areas like Sunderland that stand out for having the highest concentration relative to population.
Sunderland tops England for Blue Badge use per head
Sunderland has the highest proportion of Blue Badge holders in England, with 8.3% of its population holding a valid badge.
This makes it the area where Blue Badge use is most concentrated, offering a clearer picture of where the scheme is most relied upon.
The top five areas by percentage of population are:
- Sunderland, 8.3%
- Staffordshire, 8.2%
- Dorset, 8.0%
- Cumberland, 7.9%
- Derbyshire, 7.8%
Larger counties lead on total numbers
While Sunderland leads on a per-head basis, larger counties dominate when it comes to total Blue Badge numbers.
Kent has the highest number of valid Blue Badges overall, with 92,000 badges. It is followed by:
- Lancashire, 79,000
- Hertfordshire, 78,000
- Essex, 76,000
- Staffordshire, 74,000
- This reflects population size, but does not necessarily indicate where demand is most concentrated.
Clear regional divide across England
The data also highlights a clear regional pattern in Blue Badge use.
The North East has the highest proportion of Blue Badge holders overall at 6.1%, followed by:
- East Midlands, 6.0%
- South West, 5.9%
At the other end of the scale, London records the lowest regional figure at 3.5%.
This suggests that Blue Badge use varies significantly depending on location, with some regions relying on the scheme far more than others.
London boroughs among the lowest
Several London boroughs rank among the lowest areas in England for Blue Badge use.
These include:
- Kensington and Chelsea, 2.1%
- Wandsworth, 2.4%
- Lambeth, 2.4%
- Tower Hamlets, 2.5%
This contrasts sharply with areas in the North, Midlands and South West, where Blue Badge use is far more common.
What the data tells us
According to My Car Reg Check, looking at Blue Badge data by percentage of population provides a more meaningful understanding of how widely the scheme is used.
Sarah Jenkins, Head of Marketing at My Car Reg Check, said:
“Looking at Blue Badge figures by percentage of population gives a more meaningful picture of where the scheme is most widely relied upon.
While larger areas will naturally tend to have higher totals, the per-head figures show where Blue Badge use is most concentrated and where demand appears to be strongest.
It is particularly striking to see Sunderland come out on top, as well as the wider regional divide between parts of the North and Midlands and areas such as London. These differences help build a clearer picture of how mobility support is being used across England.”
| Term | What it means | Where you will usually see it | Why it matters |
| HP | Horsepower, a general way of describing engine power (power measured at flywheel) | Older specs, global car listings, performance discussions | Useful as a familiar reference point when comparing cars |
| BHP | Brake Horsepower, the power figure most UK drivers recognise | UK vehicle specs and performance data | Helps you judge how strong a car is likely to feel in everyday driving |
| PS | Metric horsepower used by many European manufacturers | European brochures and spec sheets | Very close to BHP, so the numbers often look almost the same |
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We also know trust matters most when the stakes feel real. If you are about to view a used car, leave a deposit, or compare two similar vehicles, clear results from reliable data sources can help you move forward with far more peace of mind.
Important: BHP and torque figures are based on factory data and may not reflect the current mechanical state of a used car. For your safety and financial security, do not rely solely on digital data. We strongly recommend a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic to verify the vehicle's roadworthiness and performance.
