The Blue Badge Parking Scheme

• What is a blue badge?
• Do I qualify for a blue badge?
• What does a blue badge allow me to do?
• How much does a blue badge cost?
• How do I get a blue badge?
• Where are the car parks I can use?
• When will I have to renew my blue badge?
• Are there any restrictions on where I can use my blue badge?
• Can I use my blue badge outside Scotland?
• What if my blue badge is faded, damaged, lost or stolen?
• What if I no longer need my blue badge, or my contact details change?
• I think someone is misusing a blue badge, what should I do?
• What other help can I get?
• I have had my application for a blue badge turned down, what can I do?

 

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, name and signature on the back and a badge number 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.

Do I qualify for a blue badge?

You can apply for a blue badge if:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
• you are registered blind or partially sighted
• you use a vehicle supplied by a government health department
• you receive a war pensioner’s mobility supplement
• you have a permanent and substantial disability which makes walking difficult or impossible
• you have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand, even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob
• you are unable to walk, or have a considerable difficulty in walking, because of a temporary but substantial disability which is likely to last for a period of at least 12 months but less than 3 years

You can apply for a blue badge on behalf of a child if he or she is under two years old and their medical needs require that they are accompanied by bulky medical equipment such as:

• ventilators
• suction machines
• feed pumps
• parental equipment
• syringe drivers
• oxygen administration equipment or continual oxygen saturation equipment

 

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 ensure that 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?

When you apply for a blue badge there is a £12.50 administration charge.

This charge is not refunded if your application is not successful.

This £12.50 charge is also applicable if you need a replacement badge due to damage, loss or theft, or if you need to renew a badge that has expired.

 

How do I get a blue badge?

To request an application form and information pack you can

email: social.work@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 the form should be returned along with the non-refundable £12.50 administration fee and two passport style photographs. You will be informed in writing of the outcome of your application.

 

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 3 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 will have to fill in and submit an application form, accompanied by the administration fee.

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, e.g. permit holders, taxis, cycles, etc.
• 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: social.work@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 must contact the office that issued your badge to request a replacement.

There is a £12.50 administration charge for any replacement badges.

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 emai us at: social.work@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: social.work@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.