Blue badge parking scheme to be permanently extended

The blue badge disabled parking scheme has been permanently extended to cover carers and relatives of people with conditions such as dementia, autism and Down's Syndrome.

Criteria changes were introduced in a pilot project in April 2016 and the Scottish Government has confirmed they will be now be adopted into the scheme, meaning carers and relatives of people who pose a risk to themselves or others in traffic can apply for a badge.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: ''I am delighted that the Scottish Government can permanently extend the criteria around the blue badge.

It's so important that people with disabilities, including cognitive impairments, can live a life of equal opportunities similar to other people.

Transport Scotland has been working hard to identify and remove barriers which make journeys unfeasible or unpleasant.''

He added: ''I want to thank the members of the Blue Badge Working Group, who, since 2015, have been working to develop and evaluate recommendations to improve the scheme.

Their findings are clear. This extension in criteria has made it easier for relatives or carers looking after people with conditions like dementia, autism and Down's syndrome to get closer to their destination - minimising the risks posed by traffic.''

Iain Smith, policy and engagement team manager at disability charity Inclusion Scotland, said: ''Blue badges support independent living by enabling people who would otherwise not be able to get out and about to access facilities such as work, education, community, social or health services in the same way as others can.''

Elaine Harley, helpline manager at Alzheimer Scotland, said being able to access a blue badge is an ''important part of maintaining active participation in their local area'' for people with dementia.