An Aberdeen MSP has written to city council bosses over disabled blue badge applications now being entirely online.
Aberdeen Donside independent Mark McDonald said he had fears older people would struggle without physical paper forms and has asked the local authority to reconsider their decision.
The badges applied to cars allow disabled people to park closer to their destination.
He said: “Whilst Aberdeenshire Council have retained a facility for obtaining and using paper copies, Aberdeen City Council have showed no such cognisance of the difficulties facing those applying for blue badges.
“Bearing in mind that those applying include people who are registered blind, who have mobility difficulties, and those with terminal illnesses, it seems unfitting that Aberdeen City Council’s advice for those without internet access at home is to visit their local library to use one of the self-service computers, with no concern for the inappropriateness of asking vulnerable people with disabilities to divulge personal information in a public place.
“Even for those who would be able to complete the form online it is also necessary to attach various documents requiring appropriate equipment and the ability to scan or photograph the supporting evidence, and upload it.
“There is a clear risk that many individuals who qualify for a blue badge will find themselves unable to access the online form, thus creating a discriminatory situation.
“I hope that Aberdeen City Council will reconsider their approach and will reinstate the paper copies of the blue badge application form.”
Isobel Hunter, of Aberdeen Action on Disability, added: “We would like an explanation as to how the decision to move to online applications has been taken without consultation.
“Everyone seems to think that this is just the way things are going and have neither knowledge of, nor concern for those who are being systematically excluded”.
