Blue badge - permanent disabilities only?

emmiemac

Hi there,

I'm about to apply for a blue badge for disabled parking. I've suffered from M.E. for a few years now and have difficulty walking the distance from normal parking zones to the places I want to go.

Anyway, having looked at the Highland council website that covers this, it says that the badges are for "residents whose mobility is severely and permanently impaired". The thing is, it is impossible to say that my condition is permanent but my condition has been the same for years so I'm wondering if I should still apply. You have to reapply every 3 years anyway so if there was a change then obviously this would mean I wouldn't get a new one after this period anyway.

Help appreciated.

s4cha

I would def apply for it. The worst they can do is turn u down. You won't know until you try :rolleyes:

The blue badge scheme is designed for people who have difficulty with walking 'normal' distances.

Good luck.

Savvy_Sue

I know my friend with ME has one, and has had for several years. Like you, there's no saying he'll never get better, but he hasn't yet ...

code-a-holic

Was just filling in my application for a blue badge! In my county we just fill in the form and take it along with proof of DLA, £2 and 2 passport photos and they make the badge there and then for you. If you dont have DLA then a doctor neds to fill in a part of the form to confirm you have difficulty walking.
That's how it is here - get a form and se what it asks for. Good luck. CXan't wait until i get mine, will make going out so much easier...will also get me accros the severn bridge for free (thats what im told anyway, must look that up!)when we go away later this month.

ariba10

Why not have a word with you're Doctor, they should be able to back up you're claim.

emmiemac

Thanks for that. Looks like I definately need a statement from my doc as I'm not on DLA (messed up the forms and was refused it) Just hope that the doc backs me up as I don't think she has a real understanding of how badly I'm affected.

Here's hoping, would make life alot easier & nicer for me too!

boogiemaster

You get a badge automatically when you have the DLA mobility component, but if your doctor doesn’t back you up you won’t have a chance.
They go by your doctor’s report; if your doctor says you have no trouble walking then you will get turned down.
If you misuse a badge you can have it taken away as fast as you got it, read the rules about disabled badges as you cannot park where you like.
If it says no parking any time! that means disabled people as well so just be careful .

Savvy_Sue

code-a-holic wrote:

will also get me accros the severn bridge for free (thats what im told anyway, must look that up!)

Perfectly true. Our Treasurer was offering to take the Chair of Trustees to work every day to get the benefit of this! :rotfl:

bernesemad

Zziggi wrote:

As i understand it in order to get free travel across the severn bridge don't you need to have a vehicle tax exempt car with the disabled person travelling in that vehicle? So just picking up the chair of the trustees wouldn't entitle the vehicle to be exempt of the toll i am afraid....

It looks like all you need is the Blue Badge and the holder to be in the car:


http://www.severnbridge.co.uk/toll_prices.shtml

HTH

boogiemaster

I know its high rate mobility i just forgot to mention it, my dad gets mobility so i do know!

WestieFan

emmiemac,

You can get a blue badge as long as your doctor supports your application.
Get in touch with your local Social Work office and they will send you out a form with all the information you need. Once they receive your doctor's letter, you should get your badge through. I am not on any benefits (working) but have a badge as I have arthritis in both knees - some days good, some days not so good - my doctor supported me fully.

Good luck

ps I am in Scotland too!