Name of the Organization : Transport Scotland
Type of Facility : Blue Badge scheme
Country : Scotland
Website : https://www.transport.gov.scot/
Blue Badge Scheme :
** The blue badge scheme supports those with restricted mobility to lead independent lives.
Related : New South Wales Transport Apply for School Opal Card Australia : www.statusin.org/25591.html
** The badge provides parking concessions for on-street parking, allowing badge holders to park close to where they need to go.
Our responsibilities :
** Transport Scotland is responsible for the legislation which sets out the framework for the scheme and provides support to local authorities to help them deliver the scheme.
** Local Authorities are responsible for administering the scheme and issuing blue badges to eligible applicants.
Blue badge users :
** Information for blue badge users and the public, including how to check your eligibility and apply for your blue badge, is available at Blue Badge Scotland.
There you will also find information on :
** Contact details for your local authority who are responsible for administering the scheme;
** Information about how to use your blue badge, including leaflet ‘Rights and responsibilities of a blue badge holder’, and;
** Information and leaflets on using your blue badge when travelling in the EU and the differences in each country.
Local Authority information :
** Transport Scotland provides guidance to Local Authority staff on administering the blue badge scheme.
** Local Authority staff can share experiences, pose questions and seek guidance on the administration of the blue badge scheme from other local authorities at the Local Government Association’s Knowledge Hub.
** All BBIS newsletters, information sheets etc. will be posted in the BBIS online community library.
Blue Badge Scheme : Pilot – Extension to Eligibility
** With effect from 1 April 2016, the Blue Badge Scheme is being extended on a pilot basis to some people who suffer from diagnosed ‘mental disorders’.
** The pilot will operate across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland for a period of 12 months and if an application is successful under the terms of the pilot, a badge will be issued for 12 months, irrespective of when the application was made during the 12 month pilot period.
** Please note that this pilot is being run separately from the rest of the Blue Badge scheme, by way of a separate paper application form only.
** The online form cannot be used to apply for a badge under this pilot.
** To apply contact your local authority directly for an application form.
The basis for this pilot was a Call for Evidence which gathered data on extending the scheme to include ;
** “People, who as a result of a diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment, have no awareness of danger from traffic and are likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others.”
In order to make an application an individual will need to be able to:
** Confirm a diagnosed ‘mental disorder’ (as defined in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.)
** Confirm receipt of either the higher or middle rate of Disability Living Allowance, the higher or lower rate of Attendance Allowance or at least eight points in respect of activities 7, 8 and 9 of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
** Provide confirmation from a healthcare professional or registered social worker that they have no awareness of danger from traffic and is likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others.