The Blue Badge Scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties, travelling as either drivers or passengers.

Badge holders are exempt from certain parking restrictions, including being allowed to park free of charge and without time limit at parking meters on-street and "pay and display" on-street parking. They can also usually park on single or double yellow lines in Scotland without any time limit.

The Blue Badge must be displayed at all times when vehicle is parked.

You can get a badge if any of the following applies to you:

• you receive the higher rate of the Mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
  
• you receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
  
• you use a motor vehicle supplied for a disabled person by a Government Health Department
  
• you are a regular driver and have a severe disability in both upper arms so that you are unable to turn the steering wheel by hand even with a turning knob fitted
  
• you have been registered blind
  

You may also qualify if you have a permanent and substantial disability that means you are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty walking. This may require verification by a qualified medical professional or assessment by an Occupational Therapist.

To obtain an application form for a Blue Badge, please contact your local First Stop Shop in your local area or visit www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk. The form should be completed and returned to the issuing office, with two passport- sized photographs of the applicant, signed on the back.

The Blue Badge lasts for a period of three years and must be re-applied for as it is not renewed automatically.

Further information may be obtained from Blue Badge Team on 01698 403160.