South Lanarkshire Council

The Blue Badge Scheme gives parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties, whether they are a driver or a passenger. The Blue Badge is for the person it is issued to and can only be used when they are present. People who qualify for a Blue Badge can use it in any car. The badge can't be used by people running errands for the badge holder.

Under the new conditions, you will qualify for a Blue Badge automatically if you meet one of the following conditions and can provide evidence of this:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance
• you receive a war pensioner's mobility supplement
• you are registered blind and aged two years or over
• you receive a tariff within 1-8 (inclusive) of the Armed Forces and Reserved Forces Compensation scheme and have been assessed as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking

If you don't meet these conditions but are still unable to walk or have great difficulty walking, you may still be eligible however we will need to assess your mobility or require more information from health professionals, depending on the circumstances. This would apply for example where:

• you have a permanent and substantial disability or a temporary disability that will last for at least 12 months which means you are unable to walk or have great difficulty walking.
  
• you are a driver and have a severe disability in both arms that means you are unable to operate all or some types of parking meters

Children under three may qualify if they have a medical condition which means they need bulky equipment such as ventilator and oxygen with them at all times or if they have a condition that means they must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment.

Organisations

If you represent an organisation concerned with the care and transportation of disabled people over the age of two who meet the criteria above you might also qualify for a badge for use when transporting disabled people.

Checking your eligibility under the  new scheme

There is further information on the Direct Scot website where you can apply online for a Blue Badge or you can submit a request for a Blue Badge pack (that includes an application form) to be sent to you. Alternatively you can telephone your local Social Work office and ask for a pack to be sent to you on 0303 123 1008.

Fees

A £20 administration fee is payable for all successful applications. If you are eligible for a blue badge without further assessment, that is if you meet the automatic conditions, you should pay the fee with your completed form. For other applications which are subject to further assessment, we will contact you for the fee if your application is successful.  There is also a 1.23% surcharge for credit card payments.

When you submit an individual application, you need to provide a photograph of the applicant along with other proof of id, for example birth certificate; passport; valid driving licence; marriage/divorce certificate or civil partnership/dissolution certificate. Please find information on accessible photo booth locations in your area. You will also be asked for proof of address and proof of eligibility if you meet the automatic issue criteria.  The proof must be original or certified documents.

Lost or stolen badges

A lost/stolen badge must be reported to the Police before a replacement badge can be issued. They will give you a crime reference number (if stolen) or lost property reference number (if lost).

You will then have to fill out a replacement application form and provide supporting documentation along with a payment of £20. The replacement badge will only be issued with the same expiry date as the original badge.

If a lost/stolen badge is found, it must be returned to us and we will destroy it as it will no longer be valid. Anyone caught using a stolen or lost blue badge could be fined up to £1000.