A disabled Glenrothes man says he fears a hefty fine if he takes his car out of Fife.
Raymond Sobczak, 69, is waiting for his blue badge to be renewed and said he was told that until a new one is sent out he could continue to use his expired disc.
However, the pensioner who has had a blue badge for around 20 years having developed a blood clot on his lung and then DVT in his leg, which causes it to swell painfully was concerned to learn that agreement would not hold sway with traffic wardens in other towns and cities.
“I sometimes like to go to Edinburgh or Dundee but I can’t,” he said. “You know how anxious the traffic wardens and parking attendants are the last thing I want or need is a £60 fine.
“I am really a bit frightened of parking outwith Fife until I get my new one. I guess I’ll have to stay put until it arrives.”
Council officer Anne Cowan confirmed badge holders could use car parks run by the council for two months after a badge’s expiry date.
But she added that “this arrangement does not apply to privately-owned car parks and other council areas”.
Mr Sobczak’s blue badge expired on Friday.
“He was sent a letter on August 22, reminding him that his badge was going to expire,” said Ms Cowan.
“We received Mr Sobczak’s renewal application on October 17. It was assessed and his application was approved on October 21. His badge is now on order and will be sent out to him as soon as possible.”