If you're living with a physical disability or health condition that impacts your ability to walk safely, or if you have a hidden condition such as dementia or Parkinson's, you might be eligible for a Blue Badge.
This badge can help you park closer to your destinations. A Blue Badge holder, whether they're the driver or a passenger, can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions.
In many instances, people will automatically qualify for the £20 parking permit. It's estimated that around 3.2 million individuals across the UK benefit from this scheme.
This includes those receiving the higher level of the mobility rate for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), reports the Daily Record.
However, the Scottish Government has released a comprehensive list of circumstances under which individuals with walking difficulties or parents caring for a disabled child could qualify for a Blue Badge.
You can apply for a Blue Badge online, but the guidance suggests that individuals with a mental condition should contact their local council directly.
The guidance states: "If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form."
The guidance also suggests that those who do not automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme may need to undergo a mobility assessment and meet with a healthcare professional.
It's worth bearing in mind that there is no fixed processing time for new applications or Blue Badge renewals, but it can take around 12 weeks - though it usually takes about 10 working days. Your local council handles Blue Badge applications and sets the price - they will also be able to advise on how long it might take.
Here's a quick rundown of the Blue Badge application process. You can find full details on MYGOV.SCOT here.
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you:
If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge under certain circumstances, if you:
Your Blue Badge permits you to park for free in certain restricted areas, including:
Applications are made online to your local council and you'll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself.
If your application is turned down
Your local council should inform you why you're not eligible. If you believe they haven't considered some crucial information, you can request them to reconsider their decision.
If your disability or health condition worsens, you can also reapply.