Blue badge is a great scheme, however, i cannot use mine in my own Town as the Local Council do not accept it. If i park in Devon County car parks, i can use it. On our seafront, i can park on one side of the road free but have to pay on the other side. I cannot park in Town car parks but can park outside the car park on double yellow lines.
You do need to read the signs and exclusions. Pretty much all of the area as far as Torquay has Councils that will not allow the blue badge but Exeter, i can park. Its a minefield here for regulations. Wonford hospital, i can sign in for free parking for 6 Months then sign in again.