Local authorities in Scotland should read the following publications and legislation to understand how to administer the Blue Badge scheme and issue badges.
Code of Practice (pdf, 1,454KB)
The Code of Practice outlines responsibilities for administering the scheme. It contains checklists and information on processing applications, assessing eligibility and handling misuse.
Rights and responsibilities of a Blue Badge holder (pdf 1.3MB)
This leaflet details the rights and responsibilities of a Blue Badge holder. Contents include; where to park, how to display the badge, badge misuse, using organisational badges and using the badge abroad.
Can I get a Blue Badge? (pdf 95KB)
This leaflet explains who qualifies and how to apply for an individual or organisational badge.
Blue Badge eligibility checker (word 479KB)
Use this checklist to help assess Blue Badge applicant eligibility
Blue Badge Application Form (word 405KB)
Use this model for your own local authority application form
Exemption from vehicle tax for disabled people (pdf 330KB)
Some Blue Badge users may also be entitled to a free tax disc, distribute this leaflet to those that are eligible.
Blue Badge Assessment Process Model (pdf 79KB)
Guidance for local authorities on the process for assessing blue badge elegiblity
Parking card for people with disabilities in the EU (pdf 301KB)
This leaflet explains the benefits of the Blue Badge in the language of that country. Blue Badge users should display the leaflet in their vehicle when travelling.
Parking benefits for people with disabilities in the European Union (EU) – understand the differences (pdf 10,979KB)
Blue Badge holders can use their card in the EU but conditions apply. Use this leaflet to understand differences in each country.
Parking card contact details (pdf 215KB)
Contact details for queries about the differences in that country.
Safeguarding access to off-street parking facilities for people with disabilities in Scotland
Advice for providers of off-street and private car parks in Scotland
Blue Badge Reform Survey - Report
In March 2011 we conducted research to see what Local Authorities and Health Boards thought of the administration and finances of the Blue Badge scheme, these are the results.
Improving Blue Badge administration, assessment and enforcement: good practice review
The Department for Transport (DfT) reviewed the administration, assessment and enforcement practices of Blue Badge issuing authorities in England, understand the methodology and results.
Tackling the abuse of off-street parking for people with disabilities in Scotland – Findings (pdf 133KB)
Research into disabled parking misuse and recommendations for prevention.
See also: Full research methodology (pdf 711KB)
The Scottish Government publishes annual statistics on the number of Blue Badges in circulation in Scotland by local authorities.
The Blue Badge statistics can be found in table 1.21 of the Road Transport Vehicles section of the 2011 publication on the Transport Scotland website at: Scottish Transport Statistics No 30: 2011 Edition
Journey planning and live traffic updates