Blue Badge Scheme

We have been made aware that another website offering to "assist" with a Blue Badge application is available via a number of major search engines. We have contacted these search engines to highlight this website.

The URL is http:⁄⁄bluebadgeuk.org/blue_badge/apply.php and http:⁄⁄parkingservicesonline.org where a fee of £49 is charged to assist with an application for a Blue Badge.

Please note that this website is not associated with the Blue Badge Service. We are advising any citizens that contact us that applications can be made for free via https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge, or directly to Local Authorities.

There are now new arrangements for assessing and issuing blue badges which were introduced by the UK and Scottish Governments in January 2012 in order to make the process more secure, and in an attempt to tackle the problem of badges being fraudulently misused. This makes the process more lengthy but should lead to improvements such as better availability of parking spaces for people who need them. The changes include differences in the way the scheme is administered and in the way assessments are undertaken. We aim to process applications within 35 working days.

Some people can get a Blue Badge automatically due to being eligible without an assessment; the Eligibility Checker will provide you with information as to who can be automatically approved.  Visit the Direct.gov website for more information regarding Eligibility Checker

Fast Track Application - This is a process which allows people who have a terminal illness that seriously limits their mobility to be processed as a priority. A DS1500 form can be obtained from your Health Professional and you should present this to the Blue Badge Team along with your application form.

If the Eligibility Checker confirms that you are eligible for a Blue Badge, you can apply using these 4 options:

1. Apply Online: https://bluebadge.direct.gov.uk/directscotapply.html
2. Downloadable Forms
   No Further Assessment Required Form (310KB PDF)
3. Further Assessment Required Form (328KB PDF)
   Organisation Application Form (257KB PDF)
   Under 3 Application Form (319KB PDF)
4. Alternatively you can email: blue.badge@dundeecity.gov.uk to request an application form, which should be returned to Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1QE.
5. If you would like an application form to be sent to you, you can request this by calling the Blue Badge Team on 01382 438335 - Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm (voicemail facilities are available outwith office hours).

Please note that the application form must be completed fully, if you require assistance with completing your form; please make an appointment to meet with a Customer Service Advisor. Please book an appointment using our online booking system.

Should you wish to receive an update on the status of your application please call the Blue Badge Team on 01382 438335, Monday - Friday, 9.00am -5.00pm.

At the end of 2013, Transport Scotland conducted a Call for Evidence which sought to gather information on extending the eligibility criteria for the Blue Badge scheme to include people, who as a result of a diagnosed mental disorder, have little or no awareness of danger from traffic.

As a result, Transport Scotland set up a Working Group to consider if it was appropriate to extend eligibility to;

"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."

The Working Group recommended a pilot scheme which would look at  how best to effect a change on a permanent basis. The pilot scheme  runs  from 1 April 2016 until autumn 2017 when a decision will be made about extending this change on a  permanent basis . If a decision is made to award a badge during the pilot phase  then this will be issued for a 12 month period.

In order to be eligible for a badge an applicant must meet the eligibility descriptor previously stated.

There are two ways to determine eligibility;

1. You will qualify for a Blue Badge without further assessment if you or the person on whose behalf you are applying are aged three years or over and:-
   
   1. have a diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment and can provide a letter that confirms this diagnosis and
   2. is in receipt of either
      
      1. the higher rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
      2. the higher rate of Attendance Allowance (AA)
      3. has been awarded at least twelve points in respect of activity 7 (communicating verbally), activity 8 (reading and understanding signs, symbols and words) and activity 9 (engaging with other people face to face) of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
         *Please note that points can be accumulated from each of these activities*
         and
   3. a healthcare professional (excluding a GP) or a registered social worker can confirm that the applicant meets the definition by completing the questionnaire in Section 3 of this application form.
      
      OR
2. You may qualify for a Blue Badge following an assessment by the local authority if you or the person on whose behalf you are applying are aged three years or over and
   
   1. have a diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment and can provide a letter that confirms this diagnosis and
   2. is in receipt of either
      
      1. the middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
      2. the lower rate of Attendance Allowance (AA)
      3. has been awarded at least eight points in respect of activity 7 (communicating verbally), activity 8 (reading and understanding signs, symbols and words) and activity 9 (engaging with other people face to face) of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
         *Please note that points can be accumulated from each of these activities*
         and
   3. a healthcare professional (excluding a GP) or a registered social worker can confirm that the applicant meets the definition by completing the questionnaire in Section 3 of this application form.

The aim of the new IMA process is to provide an objective and consistent independent assessment of applicants’ eligibility under the ‘unable to walk’ or ‘virtually unable to walk’ criteria. Depending on the information provided on your application form, it may be possible to make a decision without further assessment or you may be requested to attend an IMA. IMA’s are also being used to help avoid compromising the GP/patient relationship.

The purpose of the IMA is to assess a client on an individual basis; the appointment will last approximately 30 minutes and is carried out informally at our Dundee Independent Living and Community Equipment Centre office, Charles Bowman Avenue, Dundee, DD4 9UB.

From 10th February 2014 you will have the option to collect your Blue Badge from the following locations:

1. Dundee libraries;
2. Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street;
3. DILCEC office, Charles Bowman Avenue, DD4 9UB

The Blue Badge Team will contact you to advise when your badge is ready for collection, where you will be given the above options. Please note that should you opt to collect your badge from either of the libraries or Dundee House there will be an extra 2-3 days wait. Badges can be collected between Monday and Friday at Dundee House and DILCEC, however please follow this link which details the library opening times

Please find information on how to use your Blue Badge correctly here

Blue Badges can be paid for online via the link on your award email or online via MyDundee.dundeecity.gov.uk

A cheque can be posted to Dundee House with the Blue Badge reference number written on the back or on a covering letter.

Payment can also be made into to our bank account, the reference number will again have to be provided so we can allocate it to your service.

Bank Account details are:

Sort Code:  83-50-00
Account No:  00658059

What are my Rights and Responsibilities of being a badge holder, please follow this link: The Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in Scotland

Where can I park? – Section Two (page 14) covers this, please follow this link: The Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in Scotland

What do I do, my badge is lost/ stolen, please follow this link: https://bluebadge.direct.gov.uk/directgovlost.html

Support for improved mobility and access for disabled people - Disabled Motoring UK

Disabled Motoring UK is a national membership charity fighting to improve mobility and access for all disabled people including drivers, passengers, Blue Badge holders, scooter and wheelchair users. The charity campaigns at national and local government level and works closely with other organisations such as Motability, the British Parking Association and the Department for Transport. Disabled Motoring UK is the only UK campaigning charity specifically concerned with the personal mobility and transport needs of disabled people.

If you would like further information about our charity please follow this link: http://www.disabledmotoring.org