The below article is from https://www.fifedirect.org.uk/topics/index.cfm?fuseaction=service.display&p2sid=10EC1DC8-BF3D-EFDF-43B5798BB53A52CB&themeid=568AF4CE-B036-4E67-93AB-36B1E13DFA11
The Blue Badge scheme is a national scheme for those who have a permanent disability which means they are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk or those who are registered blind. A blue badge is intended to help those who would be unable to visit public buildings, shops and other places unless they can park close to their destination.
Blue Badges can be issued to adults, children or to organisations providing care. They can be used by badge holders who are drivers or passengers in any vehicle.
Application Process
There are 2 ways you can apply for a blue badge if you are a resident in Scotland.
You can apply for a Blue Badge online. (However, if you have a condition that means you are unable to plan or follow a journey, or as a result of this are at risk in traffic, then you will be unable to apply online and should print off the “Risk in Traffic” application at the foot of this page).
(NOTE – Other websites may offer to “assist” with a Blue Badge application for a fee. Please note these are not associated with the official Blue Badge Service. If you have been affected by this you may wish to contact Citizens Advice for advice on how to report these websites and whether or not it may be possible to recoup any money paid). If you do not qualify automatically then please answer every question so that we have as much information as possible to process your application.
Alternatively, you can print off an application form available at the bottom of this page.
Select the Automatic Qualifier application form if:
- you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- you receive the Mobility Component of PiP (Planning & Following Journeys at 12 points or Moving Around at 8-12 points)
- you receive War Pensioners’ mobility supplement
- you are registered blind/severely sight impaired
- you receive lump sum benefit with tariffs 1 to 8 under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme
- you were previously in receipt of high rate of mobility DLA indefinately but no longer receive this under PiP
- you were previously in receipt of high rate of mobility DLA for a fixed term and after reassessment for PiP you were not awarded the mobility component for either Planning and Following Journeys at 12 points or Moving Around at 8 – 12 points and have requested a mandatory reconsideration of the decision
or
Select the Further Assessment application form if you do not qualify automatically. You may still get a badge following further assessment of your application.
or
Select the Risk in Traffic application if you are applying for someone who as a result of a diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment have no awareness of danger from traffic and may compromise their safety, or the safety of others.
In order to make an application under this criteria an individual will:
- Have a diagnosed mental health, cognitive or behavioural condition. (Examples are dementia, autism or Down’s Syndrome)
- Be able to provide confirmation from a healthcare professional or registered social worker (but not a GP), that they lack awareness of danger from traffic and are likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others.
(Providing information of social security benefits such as higher or middle rate of the care element of Disability Living Allowance, the higher or lower rate of Attendance Allowance or the daily living element of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will help with the assessment of the application.)
The applications are available at the bottom of the page under the “Publications” heading and there are also guidance notes available to help you fill in the form and let you know what you need to provide with your application.
Some applicants may also need a face to face assessment.
Appealing the Decision
There is no statutory right of appeal against the decision, however, in Fife we will review a decision if the applicant does not agree with the decision. A request for a review should be in writing, either to the address at the bottom of this page or by e-mail to european.parkingbadges@fife.gov.uk . You must provide the reasons why you think the decision is not correct and include any further relevant information about your disability, medical conditions or walking ability that you think should be taken into account. Your request and all information provided will be reviewed thoroughly by a second person who was not involved with the original decision, including a 2nd OT where applicable. You will be informed in writing of the outcome of the review and this will be the final decision for your application and review.
Click here for information about Disabled Parking Bays
Timescale for receiving a Blue Badge
Once your application has been received and all relevant documents have been verified, the following timescales will apply:-
- Automatic Applications – 6 weeks
- Further Assessment Applications (granted without a Mobility Assessment) – 6 weeks
- Further Assessment Applications (requiring a Mobility Assessment) – 8 weeks
- Risk in Traffic Application – 6 weeks
Cost of a Blue Badge
Blue Badges are subject to a £20 charge. This charge will be requested upon approval of your badge. Payment should NOT be sent with your application.
Lost and stolen badges
Lost or stolen badges should be reported to the police immediately – once you have the crime or lost badge reference number from the Police, you can either print off a Replacement application form available at the bottom of this page or email European.Parkingbadges@fife.gov.uk to request a Replacement application form.
Blue Badge Misuse
If you think that a badge is being misused you can report this by email to European.Parkingbadges@fife.gov.uk. The Scottish Government introduced new legislation in March 2015 to protect Blue Badge Holders from misuse, please refer to Blue Badge Misuse for further information on this legislation.
Parking Clock card
A parking clock card is used in England, Wales and in the Inverclyde area of Scotland, because the time you can park using a blue badge is limited and indicated by the time shown on the clock card when you park. You display it on your windscreen next to your badge. You will receive a clock card free of charge with your Blue Badge, but if you need to request a replacement, please contact European.Parkingbadges@fife.gov.uk
Visitors to Fife
Visitors to Fife can use a European Blue Badge from other European Union Governments. For visitors from other non-EU countries, legislation does not allow temporary Blue Badges to be provided, and therefore, the Scottish Government advises that you should bring your disabled parking badge with you and check with the local parking authorities to see if your badge would be recognised.
Parking
Parking restrictions are set by Local Traffic Orders issued by Legal Services on behalf of Transportation Services and enforced by Traffic Wardens and Police Officers. You should always check roadside signs when parking for any local parking restrictions or information as these can change.
Blue badge holders can access the following at the times shown but restrictions apply at all other times, please check the signs in these areas for any variations.
Kirkcaldy High Street – All day on Tuesdays; before 12pm and after 5pm on all other days.
Dunfermline High Street – Monday to Saturday ; before 12pm and after 3pm and all day on Sunday.
Leven High Street – Before 2pm and after 5pm on all days.
The above article is from https://www.fifedirect.org.uk/topics/index.cfm?fuseaction=service.display&p2sid=10EC1DC8-BF3D-EFDF-43B5798BB53A52CB&themeid=568AF4CE-B036-4E67-93AB-36B1E13DFA11
Blue Badge Administration (lines open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Tel: 03451 55 00 66 Contact Blue Badge Administration (lines open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) online
By Post: Fife House North Street Glenrothes Fife KY7 5LT
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