MORAY Council is introducing new rules at the start of September to assess blue badge applications, following a directive from the Scottish Government.
According to the council, some applicants may be required to undergo an independent mobility assessment to comply with new national guidelines.
Blue badges are a real lifeline for many disabled people, according to the council, helping them retain their independence by enabling them to park close to where they need to go. Last year, around 1,950 badges were issued in Moray and the current charge is £20 for a new badge or a renewal.
The reforms to the scheme, announced by the Scottish Government and Department for Transport at the end of last year, seek to cut down on fraud and ensure only people in real need are able to benefit from the issue of a badge.
The council said this may result in some current blue badge holders being turned down for a badge when they come to reapply because of "the more robust and objective assessment process".
More information will be made available during a public awareness session, to be held in Elgin Library on Wednesday September 26 from 2pm-3.30pm.
