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The Blue Badge Parking Scheme
Changes to the Blue Badge Scheme from 1 January 2012
The way the Blue Badge Scheme is administered and the design of the Blue Badge is changing. The Scottish Government agreed to the reform of the Blue Badge Scheme in January 2011. The reform measures were agreed in partnership with the Department for Transport and the Welsh Government. The measures are designed to make the scheme fairer and more sustainable, to tackle fraud and misuse and to improve administration and customer service.
As part of the Blue Badge reform programme, a new Blue Badge design is being launched from 1 January 2012 in Scotland. The new badge will make it easier to crack down on fraud, which will help severely disabled people who rely on the Blue Badge scheme to find a parking space.
Aberdeenshire Council will continue to be in charge of administering the Blue Badge Scheme and make decisions on whether badges are awarded or not.
Independent Mobility Assessments will be introduced from 1 September 2012. This will make sure that badges are issued fairly and consistently across the country.
For more information about the new Blue Badge Scheme and to apply on-line visit the Blue Badge Scotland website
For more information about to the new Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBISS) and the new legislation visit the Transport Scotland Blue Badge website
Frequently asked questions about the new scheme
What is a blue badge?
The Blue Badge Scheme is designed to help severely disabled people to travel independently, as either a driver or a passenger, by allowing them to park close to their destination.
A blue badge is issued to a person, not to a vehicle. This means that you do not need to own a car to have a blue badge and you are not limited to travelling in only one car.
A blue badge is a two sided card with your photograph and name on the back and a badge number, valid from date and expiry date on the front.
If you qualify for a blue badge it will be issued for a period of between 12 months and three years.
When your badge expires you will have to apply for a new one.
The blue badge scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions.
When you are using any of these parking concessions you must leave the blue badge in the car so that it can be read easily from the outside.
The badge must be removed from the vehicle at all other times.
You can get more information on what a blue badge is and how to use it from the Scottish Government.
Am I eligible for a blue badge?
You are eligible without further assessment if you are over the age of two and you:
- receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
- are registered blind
- receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- receive a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1-8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
You are eligible subject to further assessment if you:
- are over the age of two and have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable or virtually unable to walk
- are over the age of two and have a temporary or substantial disability that means you are unable to or virtually unable to walk
- regularly drive a car, have a severe disability in both arms and are unableto operate, or have great difficulty in operating, a parking meter
- are under the age of three and have a condition that requires that you are always accompanied by bulky medical equipment or you are kept near a motor vehicle in case of need for emergency medical treatment
What does a blue badge allow me to do?
A blue badge entitles you to park:
- free in all Aberdeenshire Council car parks
- free, and without time limit, at on-street parking meters
- free, and without time limit, at on-street pay and display parking
- for an unlimited time where others may park only for a limited time
- on single or double yellow lines in Scotland without any time limit except where there is a ban on loading and unloading
Other benefits for blue badge holders are:
- vehicles cannot be wheel clamped on the public highway provided a current badge is displayed.
- you may be allowed access to some town centres where vehicle entry is restricted.
- in many areas local authorities provide reserved parking places for badge holders. These spaces should be used in preference to parking on yellow lines. Local authorities may impose a time limit on the use of such spaces. Always display a valid badge when occupying one of these spaces.
- some other local authorities will also waive charges in their off street car parks. Please check for notices in the car park or ask a parking attendant if you are able to park free of charge.
- some other European countries allow disabled visitors to take advantage of parking concessions by displaying a blue badge.
Your blue badge must be displayed when you are using any of these parking benefits. Drivers must never park where it would cause an obstruction or endanger other road users.
The driver must move the vehicle if requested to do so by a police officer or traffic warden.
As the blue badge holder it is your responsibility to make sure the badge is properly used. You must not allow other people to use your badge. You must not let able bodied people to take advantage of the parking benefits while you sit in the car.
How much does a blue badge cost?
Aberdeenshire Council charges £17.50 for a blue badge.
How do I get a blue badge?
To request an application form and information pack you can email: bluebadge@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or contact one of the following offices:
- Gordon House, Blackhall Road, Inverurie, AB51 3WA - telephone: 01467 628011
- Towie House, Manse Road, Turriff, AB53 4AY - telephone: 01888 562427
- Carlton House, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2DL - telephone: 01569 768400
Once filled in, return the application form with one passport style photographs. Do not send the fee with your application. You will be told by telephone or in writing of the outcome of your application and payment of £17.50 will be requested before your badge is issued.
You can also apply on-line for a badge by going to the Blue Badge Scotland website
Where are the car parks I can use?
There are disabled parking spaces available throughout Aberdeenshire and in Aberdeen City.
When will I have to renew my blue badge?
Your blue badge will be issued for between 12 months and three years. The expiry date will be clearly marked on the front of your badge.
The process for renewing a blue badge is exactly the same as applying for a new badge – you need to fill in and return an application form.
We would advise you to apply for your new badge several weeks prior to the expiry date on your existing badge.
Are there any restrictions on where I can use my blue badge?
Yes, the blue badge is not a licence to park anywhere and conditions vary in different areas.
Always check local signs before parking.
You must not park:
- during the time a ban on loading or unloading is in force
- where there are double white lines in the centre of the road
- in a dedicated bus lane during its hours of operation
- on any pedestrian crossing
- in parking spaces reserved for specific users such as permit holders, taxis and cycles
- on school “keep clear” markings during the hours shown
You must also not park where it would be obstructive or cause danger to others, for example:
at school entrances- at bus stops
- on bends in the road
- near the brow of a hill
- close to junctions
- where emergency vehicles need access
Remember, if you park where it would cause an obstruction or danger your vehicle can be removed by the police. You may also be prosecuted and your blue badge can be withdrawn.
You must move the car if you are asked to do so by a police officer or traffic warden.
Can I use my blue badge outside Scotland?
Yes, the blue badge scheme is a national arrangement so you can use it throughout the UK.
The rules on where you can and can’t park may vary in different areas. You can get more details on this from the Scottish Government.
If you are travelling to England or Wales you will need a parking disc to use alongside your blue badge. To apply for a parking disc please email us on: bluebadge@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
or contact the office that your badge was issued from:
- Gordon House, Blackhall Road, Inverurie, AB51 3WA – 01467 628012
- Towie House, Manse Road, Turriff, AB53 4AY – 01888 562427
- Carlton House, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2DL – 01569 768400
Blue badge holders are also entitled to parking concessions in many other European countries. The rules will vary depending on the country so it is important that you check these before you travel.
Anyone who misuses a blue badge will be liable to whatever penalties for unlawful parking apply in the country in question.
What if my blue badge is faded, damaged, lost or stolen?
Lost or stolen blue badges should be reported to the police immediately.
If your blue badge is faded, damaged, lost or stolen you should contact the office that issued your badge to request a replacement.
If your blue badge is less than six months from the expiry date you will have to apply for a new badge.
What if I no longer need my blue badge, or my contact details change?
If your circumstances have changed and you no longer need your blue badge please return it to the office is was issued from.
When a blue badge holder dies it is important that you return their badge to the office it was issued from to reduce the risk of misuse.
If your contact details have changed please let us know as soon as possible. You can contact the office your badge was issued from or email us at: bluebadge@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
I think someone is misusing a blue badge, what should I do?
If you believe a blue badge is being misused please contact us and tell us as much information as you can. For example you can tell us the name and address of the person, the badge number, and where you saw the misuse occur.
You can contact us through any of the following offices: 
- Gordon House, Inverurie – 01467 628012
- Towie House, Turriff – 01888 562427
- Carlton House, Stonehaven – 01569 768400
Or by emailing: bluebadge@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
We will investigate reports of blue badges being misused but we will not be able to tell you the results of our investigations.
If we find that the holder has misused their badge, or has allowed other people to misuse their badge, the blue badge can be withdrawn.
It is a criminal offence for non-disabled people to use a blue badge.
If they do they are liable to a fine of up to £1000.
It is a criminal offence to use a vehicle displaying a blue badge unless the badge is properly issued and displayed - the maximum fine is £1000.
What other help can I get?
Aberdeen City Council currently operate a Green Badge Scheme. 
This allows a person holding a Green Badge access to certain reserved kerbside spaces in central Aberdeen.
Aberdeenshire residents are eligible to apply for a Green Badge if they meet the criteria set by Aberdeen City Council. You can get more information about this scheme form Aberdeen City Council on 01224 522002.
We operate various other schemes to help you with getting around and also offer a range of facilities to help with disabled parking and accessibility at home, including a reserved parking space or "keep clear" markings outside your house, or having the kerb lowered to allow access to a driveway.
I have had my application for a blue badge turned down, what can I do?
If you are unhappy that you have been turned down for a blue badge, you can asked to be referred to an independent medical examiner.
We want to make sure that all our services are easy to use and the people who work for us are polite and helpful. If you have anything to tell us, good or bad, we would really like to hear from you.
