Disabled Parking Badge Scheme
The Council is responsible for the issue of Blue Badge parking permits to residents whose mobility is severely impaired. Blue Badges allow residents who are unable to walk great distances, to park in restricted areas. Over 2,700 badges are issued each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disabled parking badge scheme?
The disabled parking badge scheme is a national scheme for people who:
- are registered blind/partially sighted or
- have severe walking difficulties or
regularly drive but require foot controls.
The scheme enables badge holders to park on some single and double yellow lines and provides free parking in all Highland Council car parks.
How do I qualify?
You will automatically receive a disabled person's parking badge if:
- you receive Mobility Allowance or the higher rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance.
- you receive a War Pensioners' Mobility supplement.
- you are registered blind/partially sighted.
- the DSS have supplied a vehicle to you, or they have given you a grant to adapt a vehicle or they give you help towards the running costs of a vehicle.
- 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.
- You have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking. In this case, you may be asked some questions by your Local Authority to decide if you are entitled to a badge.
- You are unable to walk or have 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.
- Children under 2 years whose medical needs require that he or she is accompanied by bulky medical equipment which includes in particular any of the following: i) Ventilators; ii) Suction Machines; iii) Feed Pumps; iv) Parenteral Equipment; v) Syringe Drivers; vi) Oxygen Administration Equipment vii) Continual Oxygen Saturation Equipment.
People with psychological disorder will not normally qualify unless their impairments cause very considerable, and not intermittent, difficulty in walking.
How do I apply for a disabled parking badge?
Telephone your local Highland Council Service Point and a form will be sent to you. Alternatively you can download an application form above.
Return completed applications to the Service Centre:
Blue Badge Scheme
Highland Council Service Centre
Osprey House
Alness Point Business Park
Alness
IV17 0UP
Is there a charge for the badge?
No. Other Councils may charge, but Highland Council does not.
How long does the badge last?
The Blue Badge lasts for a period of between 12 months and 3 years. When this time is up, you will need to apply again for a new badge. It is best to do this several weeks before your badge expires.
- Contact your local Highland Council Service Point if you need to get your badge renewed, or need a replacement badge if it is illegible or damaged.
- Renewals are treated like new applications and so you should obtain a form from your local Service Point and complete it and submit it as before.
How do I display my Badge?
You must display the badge on top of the dash board or facia panel of a vehicle with the front of the badge (the side showing the wheelchair user symbol) facing forward so that the relevant details are legible from outside of the vehicle when using the parking benefits.
I don’t drive anymore. Can I still apply for a Badge?
You don't have to be a driver or a car owner to apply for or have a badge. The badge is issued to you as a person and it can be used in any vehicle you travel in. However, you should keep the badge with you at all other times and not allow someone else to hold it on your behalf. The driver of the vehicle should also be made aware of their responsibilities and regulations of usage of the blue badge.
If I have a Badge, can I park anywhere?
No. The Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere. Be particularly careful to find out where there is a ban on loading and off-loading, by reading the roads signs. Details of any restrictions in force will be shown on signs at the kerb-side. There is more information in the Blue Badge Booklet which is available from your local Service Point.
Can I take my Badge abroad?
Yes. The badge can be used in any EC country. If you are travelling to the Americas or Australia we suggest you contact the relevant Embassy for information.
Can I have more than one badge?
No. Only one badge is issued per person. If you regularly travel in more than one car it is the badge holders responsibility to move the badge from car to car.
I go to the chemist/supermarket etc for a badge holder. Can I use this badge to park close by?
No. Unless you qualify for and hold a badge in your name, you cannot use a disabled parking bay. Under no circumstances are you allowed to use someone else's badge, even if running an errand for them. Such use is an offence and traffic wardens and the Police have been given additional powers to inspect badge where they suspect misuse.
Why does my Blue Badge Expire?
The current regulations state that badges are awarded for up to 3 years only. When you receive your new badge or if you are notified that your badge will not be renewed you should return the expired badge to us.
My child has disabilities. At what age can he/she have a Badge?
Children under two years of age do not normally qualify for a badge because they would not normally be expected to be able to walk independently, however under the new regulations they would qualify if the meet the following eligibility criteria,
- Children under 2 years whose medical needs require that he or she is accompanied by bulky medical equipment which includes in particular any of the following: i) Ventilators; ii) Suction Machines; iii)Feed Pumps; iv) Parenteral Equipment; v) Syringe Drivers; vi) Oxygen Administration Equipment vii) Continual Oxygen Saturation Equipment.
I can’t carry shopping anymore. Can I apply for a Badge?
The Badge is issued for problems with walking. We cannot take any account of problems with carrying your shopping unless upper arm disability creates specific problems with steering by hand a car driven by you or with putting money in a parking meter. These conditions are described more fully in the regulation for Blue Badges.
What do I do if I think a Badge is being mis-used?
Please contact us and tell us as much as you can, for example the name and address of the person if possible, the badge number and where you saw the misuse occur. We will investigate and contact the badge holder. We will not be able to tell you the results of our investigations because of data protection legislation. It is the responsibility of the Badge holder to make sure their badge is not misused by others wherever possible.
What do I do if my badge is lost, stolen or faded?
You must contact us to request a replacement. If your Badge is less than 3 months from its expiry date you will have to renew your application by re-applying. Please ensure that the badge is only displayed when in use. You should also check it regularly to ensure all details remain legible.
I cannot access a photo booth – what should I do?
You may submit any suitable full face photographs cut down to approximately to 3.5cm wide by 4.5cm long. (Passport size).
Is everyone required to provide photographs to accompany their application?
Yes. It should be emphasised that the photograph is not on display when the badge is in the car being used by the badge holder but helps traffic wardens and police to ensure that only badge holders use the few spaces dedicated for disabled parking. However, in exceptional cases of severe facial deformity, applicants are not required to provide photographs.
For help with completing the application form contact:
Blue Badge Scheme
Highland Council Service Centre
Osprey House
Alness Point Business Park
Alness
IV17 0UP
Tel: 01349 886630
Fax: 01349 886655
E-mail: scd@highland.gov.uk