If you have a physical disability or health condition that affects your ability to walk safely, or have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's, you may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go. A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or a passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions. There are currently more than 235,700 Blue Badge holders living in Scotland and in many cases, people will automatically qualify for the £20 parking permit.
This includes those on the higher level of the mobility rate for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, the Scottish Government has published a comprehensive list of circumstances which could see people with walking issues or parents caring for a disabled child , qualify for a Blue Badge. Applications for a Blue Badge can be made online, however the guidance advises that people with a mental condition need to contact their local council directly.
It states: “If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form.” The guidance also advises that those who do not automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme may need to have a mobility assessment and a meeting w.