Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the frequently asked questions regarding Blue Badges
You are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge and you will be awarded a blue badge without the need for further assessment if you meet any of the following criteria and can provide proof if you:
- Are registered blind
- Get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the "moving round" activity or 12 points in the planning and "following a journey" activity
- Get the High Rate Mobility Component for Child Disability Payment
- Get the High Rate Mobility Component for Adult Disability Payment, and have been awarded mobility points of either 8 points or more in the Moving Around activity, or 12 points in the Planning and Following a Journey activity, or enhanced rate mobility under special rules for terminal illness
- Be diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease
- If you have a terminal illness and have been issued with a DS1500 or Basris form from your healthcare professional
Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
You may be entitled to a Blue Badge and will be required to undertake further assessment if you:
- Have walking problems that are permanent or expected to last at least a year
- Can't use your arms
- Have no awareness of danger form traffic and be likely to compromise your safety, or the safety of others as a result if a cognitive impairment.
All applicants will need to supply proof of their address, proof of their Identity - Passport, driving license, birth certificate etc and a passport style photograph.
If you are in receipt of one of the appropriate qualifying Benefits you will need to supply a letter of award dated in the last 12 months.
If you are applying under the discretionary criteria you should supply a copy of your prescription, a health care summary - which can be provided by a GP receptionist free of charge - any letters you have from a health care professional detailing your walking ability.
We are currently processing all applications within 2 -3 weeks and if you require an Independent Mobility Assessment you will need to wait around 12 weeks for an appointment
Yes, you need to complete an application and provide ALL supporting evidence every time you apply for a Blue Badge. This is determined by Transport Scotland to ensure we meet audit requirements and reduce the risk of fraudulent applications.
If you are unable to apply online you can make an appointment at your local Customer Information Services office. To make an appointment please call 01506 280150
You will be required to attend an appointment at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn where an Occupational Therapist will make a decision based on your walking ability.
You have to appeal within 28 days of the date your application was refused. You should email Bluebadges@westlothian.gov.uk or send your appeal in writing to Blue Badges, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston EH54 6FF. Please note that for an appeal to be considered you must provide new evidence that was not available at the time your application was refused.
Any Blue Badge holder can park in any designated disabled parking bay. A space provided outside your home is not for your exclusive use.
Yes, the Blue Badge is for anyone who is eligible, not just those who drive.
A Blue Badge should not be used to park in a restricted area if the badge holder is not leaving the car
You can request a replacement online https://www.gov.uk/replace-lost-stolen-blue-badge or by phoning 01506 28300 or emailing bluebadges@westlothian.gov.uk
No, if you provide your form you will not be required to attend an IMA
In most cases a Blue Badge will cost £20 and this will last for 3 years.
No, it is a criminal offence to allow someone else to use your Blue Badge if you are not in the car with them.
A Blue Badge cannot be renewed - you must apply for a new one. Please apply around 10-12 weeks before your current badge is due to expire.
In most cases a Blue Badge will last for 3 years but there are circumstances where an award will be for less than this.
Yes, this includes if the misuse of your badge is by someone else.
Should you move to another Scottish Local Authority area you can carry on using your badge until it is expires. You should apply to your new Local Authority area around 10 weeks before your badge is due to expire.
You can use your UK Blue Badge when travelling in some EU countries, however parking concessions vary in each country. We therefore recommend you check before travelling. A list of countries that recognised the UK Blue Badge as of 31/8/2023 can be found here: Using a Blue Badge in the European Union and European Economic Area - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
