Blue Badge Scheme
Disabled parking permits are also known as Blue Badges. You can apply for a blue badge if you have severe mobility problems as detailed below. With a blue badge, you can park in certain restricted areas – whether you are a driver or passenger.
People who have been diagnosed with a mental, cognitive or behavioural condition which means they lack awareness of danger from traffic which is likely to compromise their safety or the safety of others, should apply under the ‘Risk in Traffic’ criteria. A car driver would not qualify for a Blue Badge under the ‘Risk in Traffic’ criteria.
Transport Scotland is responsible for the legislation which sets out the framework and criteria for the scheme. Local authorities administer the scheme.
Scottish Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are being introduced to major Scottish cities. To improve air quality LEZs set an environmental limit on certain city roads, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles.
- The Scottish LEZ Exemption System is now live for personal Blue Badge holders to register their vehicles for a LEZ exemption.
- The Vehicle Checker is now live on the official LEZ website which allows members of the public to enter their vehicle registration number to check if their vehicle will comply with LEZ standards.
- More information on the Blue Badge exemption can be found on the Blue Badge Exemption page of the official LEZ website.
Eligibility.
Assessment for the Blue Badge is based on the eligibility criteria.
Automatic
A badge may be awarded without an applicant having to go through the assessment process provided they meet one of the following descriptions:
This form is intended for applicants who:
- are blind (severely sight impaired);
- receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA);
- receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awarded at;
- 12 points for Planning and Following journeys activity or
- 8 points or more for Moving Around activity;
- in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment;
- in receipt of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment and have been awarded either:
- 8 points or more in the Moving Around activity
- 12 points in the Planning and Following a Journey activity
- enhanced rate mobility under special rules for terminal illness;
- receive the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement; or
- receive a qualifying award under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme.
Applicants applying under the ‘Automatic’ criteria must provide the correct proof of entitlement as stated on the application form.
Unable to walk or virtually unable to walk
This form is intended for applicants over two years of age who have a permanent and substantial disability which means they are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk, or have a temporary, but substantial disability, which means they are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk which is likely to last for a period of at least 12 months, but less than 3 years. Requiring to fully open the car door is not taken into account under the criteria.
Child under three years old
This form is intended for children under the age of three who may be eligible for a Blue Badge because they have a medical condition requiring the transportation of large and/ or heavy medical equipment and/or must be kept near a motor vehicle on account of their condition so that they can, if necessary, be treated for that condition in the vehicle or taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where they can be treated.
Driver with severe disability in both arms
This form is intended for applicants who regularly drive a vehicle, have severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating parking meters.
Risk in traffic
This form is intended for applicants who have a mental or cognitive condition that means they lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys. Please note: A car driver would not qualify for a Blue Badge under the ‘Risk in Traffic’ criteria.
Organisational badge
This form is intended for organisations involved in the care of disabled people who are seeking a Blue Badge for vehicle(s) which are to be used to carry disabled people who would themselves qualify for an individual Blue Badge.
We will not be able to process your application if you do not provide the supporting evidence and documents requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant, or their representative, to provide all relevant information and supporting evidence to demonstrate your eligibility.
There are two ways to apply:
When completing an application please provide all the relevant information in detail, supporting evidence and documents requested (see below) to demonstrate your eligibility. You may already have other information such as copies of medical letters or prescriptions which may be helpful to include with your application.
Unable to walk or virtually unable to walk application form
Child under three years old application form
Driver with severe disability in both arms application form
Risk in traffic application form
Organisational badge application form
OR
Telephone 01343 563483 and ask for an application form to be posted out to you.
Please note: application forms are no longer available from the Libraries.
You cannot apply online under the Risk in Traffic criteria or for an Organisational badge.
Documents required with your application
- Passport size photograph, not older than 12 months and signed on the back
- N.I Number or in the case of a child under the age of 16, the NHS number. This can be found on an NHS Medical Card or you can ask the child’s GP for it
- Proof of your entitlement to one or more of the following benefits - DLA, PIP, CDP or ADP as described on the application form
- Proof of entitlement as stated on the application form for further ‘Automatic Eligibility’ categories 1, 7 or 8
- Proof of ID. A certified photocopy of one of the following: Passport, Valid driving Licence, Birth or adoption Certificate, Marriage or Divorce Certificate, Civil partnership/Dissolution certificate
- Proof of Address as stated on the application forms
- Diagnosis letter for Risk in Traffic applications
Return your completed application to:
Blue Badge Team, Moray Council, The Annexe, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX
You can contact us by telephone on 01343 563483 or email at Bluebadges@moray.gov.uk
Will I have to pay for my badge?
We charge £20 for all badges, including replacements. You will be sent an invoice for payment. Do not enclose a cheque or cash with your application.
How long will it take to get my badge?
It takes at least four weeks (Automatic category) to process your application. For all other categories, or if an assessment is required to establish eligibility, or if there is information or evidence missing from your application, it may take approximately 16 weeks.
My badge is due to expire, how can I reapply?
We no longer send a reminder when your badge is due to expire. We recommend you apply at least eight weeks before its expiry date. It is an offence to use an expired badge.
How long does a badge last?
This depends on qualifying criteria or confirmed benefits award period so may be less than 3 years. The maximum badge award is 3 years.
What if a badge is no longer required?
If the holder dies or the badge is no longer required, please return the badge to: Blue Badge Team, Moray Council, The Annexe, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX
What is considered misuse of a blue badge?
A blue badge is for the holder's use and benefit only.
Examples of misuse are:
- Allowing someone else to use your badge
- Using a fake or altered badge while your vehicle is parked or being driven
- Using a cancelled badge when your vehicle is parked or being driven
- Using an expired badge
How to report misuse of a blue badge
Misuse can be reported directly to us: Corporate Investigations Officer, Room 320, Moray Council HQ, High Street, Elgin IV30 1BX
Email: fraud@moray.gov.uk, Tel: 01343 563307.
Contact Us
Blue Badge Team
Moray Council, The Annexe
High Street
Elgin
IV30 1BX
01343 563483