This service is managed by Infrastructure Services
Disabled parking and blue badges
If you hold a Blue Badge, you can park free of charge in all our pay and display car parks. We can also consider applications for an on-street disabled bay near your home if you have severe mobility problems. This page also covers how to apply for, renew or replace a Blue Badge.
The Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme helps disabled people with severe mobility problems park closer to the places they want to visit, giving them greater independence. It is not a general free parking scheme.
As a Blue Badge holder, you can:
- Park free of charge in all our pay and display car parks (in a marked bay, with your badge displayed)
- Park free on-street in marked disabled bays without time restriction (unless signed otherwise)
- Park on single and double yellow lines (without loading restrictions), for as long as you need, provided you are parked safely
Please note: Blue Badge concessions do not apply in privately operated car parks, such as supermarket or airport car parks, though some may offer their own concessions. Check for signs on arrival.
You cannot park in a loading bay or where loading restrictions apply.
Charges
- New or renewed Blue Badge: £20
- Replacement Blue Badge: £17.70
Pay by calling into our Customer Services or by calling 01856 873535.
Parking in our car parks
Blue Badge holders can park free of charge in all our pay and display car parks, provided you:
- Display your Blue Badge on the front windscreen
- Park in a marked bay
On-street disabled parking bays
On-street disabled parking bays are for people with severe mobility problems who hold a Blue Badge. When using an on-street disabled bay:
- You must display your Blue Badge at all times. Failure to do so may result in a fixed penalty notice from the police or a traffic warden.
- These bays are not exclusively yours and can be used by anyone displaying a valid Blue Badge.
Applying for an on-street disabled parking bay
We have a duty to consider applications for a disabled parking bay at or near the home of individuals with severe mobility problems. To qualify, you must hold a Blue Badge and have a suitable vehicle registered at your address with the DVLA.
To apply, complete the application form and with a copy (not the original) of your V5 vehicle registration document.
Once approved, a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will need to be processed before the bay becomes enforceable.
Related resources
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Annual report on disabled persons parking places
This document contains the Council’s annual report on disabled parking places for April 2025 to March 2026 under the Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009. It records five requests, four parking places identified and four designated, with procedures taking an average of six to 18 months. One disabled parking order was started, covering four spaces and taking 12 weeks to complete. No relevant planning developments or off-street parking arrangements were recorded.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Applying for or renewing a Blue Badge
Using your Blue Badge
Your badge must only be displayed when you are travelling in the vehicle, either as the driver or passenger. You can also display it if someone is collecting or dropping you off and needs to park at that location.
For full details of your rights and responsibilities, visit mygov.scot.
Lost or stolen badges
Report a lost or stolen badge to our Customer Services team on 01856 873535. If your badge is less than 3 months from expiry, you will need to renew rather than replace it.
Returning a badge
You should return your badge if:
- It has expired
- Your mobility has improved and you are no longer eligible
- A replacement has been issued and the original is found
- It is damaged or faded
- The badge holder has died
Misuse
Misuse of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Low Emission Zones
Blue Badge holders are exempt from Low Emission Zones (LEZs) across Scotland.
Downloads
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Blue badge eligibility leaflet
This document contains information about who may qualify for a Blue Badge parking permit. It lists automatic eligibility, including people with severe sight impairment, certain disability benefits, qualifying mobility or armed forces awards, and some children. It also explains other routes, such as being unable or almost unable to walk, having severe disabilities affecting parking meter use, caring for a young child with medical needs, or having a diagnosed condition affecting traffic awareness. Applications are required and can be made online or using a paper form.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Blue badge - Automatic eligibility
This document contains an application form for a Blue Badge from Orkney Islands Council for people who meet automatic eligibility rules. It asks for the applicant’s personal details, proof of address and identity, a photograph, benefit or disability evidence, and vehicle registration numbers. It also includes declarations about truthful information, badge use and data protection, plus a checklist of documents and instructions for returning the form. A successful application costs £20.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Blue badge - Child under three years old
This document contains a Blue Badge application form for children under three years old living in the Orkney Islands Council area. It asks for details of the person applying, the child, proof of address and identity, a recent photograph, and medical evidence from a regulated healthcare professional. It also includes declarations, consent, a document checklist, information about the £20 fee, and instructions for returning the completed form to Orkney Islands Council.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Blue badge - Subject to further assessment unable to walk
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s Blue Badge application form for people who are unable, or nearly unable, to walk. It asks for personal details, proof of identity and address, a photograph, medical information, walking ability, healthcare contacts and supporting documents. Applicants must confirm the declarations and return the completed form to Customer Services in Kirkwall. If approved, the badge costs £20.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Blue badge - Driver with severe disability in both arms
This document contains a Blue Badge application form for drivers with severe disabilities in both arms. It asks for personal details, proof of address and identity, a recent photograph, medical and vehicle information, and evidence that the applicant has difficulty using parking machines. It also includes declarations, consent, a document checklist and details of the £20 fee and where to send the completed form to Orkney Islands Council.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Organisational blue badge
This document contains an application form for organisations seeking Blue Badges to transport disabled people who would qualify for an individual badge. It asks for organisation, care and vehicle details, reasons for applying, and the number of badges needed, with supporting documents where required. Applicants must sign declarations, follow badge rules and pay a £20 fee for each successful badge. Completed forms and documents should be sent to Orkney Islands Council’s Customer Services team.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Blue badge - Risk in traffic
This document contains the Orkney Islands Council application form for a Blue Badge under the “Risk in Traffic” criteria. It asks for the applicant’s personal details, proof of identity and address, medical and benefit evidence, and information about how their condition affects safety around traffic. A healthcare, social work or teaching professional who has seen the applicant in the last 12 months must complete the counter signatory questionnaire. The form also includes declarations, a document checklist, payment information and return instructions.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.