New powers to halt Blue Badge abuse

Date article online: 06/10/2006

People who misuse and abuse the Blue Badge scheme for disabled drivers are being warned that the Council has new powers to take action against them.

Until 29 September the Council’s parking attendants did not have the legal power to ask drivers to show them the photograph, which is on the inside of the badge.

Now they do, and if any driver using a Blue Badge refuses to allow a parking attendant to inspect it, they can be issued a fixed penalty notice of £60.

If a badge has been fraudulently altered, if it is found to be stolen or if it is being used by someone other than the badge holder, a police officer can be called in and the badge can be confiscated.

Misuse of the badge can also be reported to Social Services who issue badges and who may consider withdrawing a badge that is being misused.

The Council’s lead member for Environment and Sustainability, which covers highways and car parking, is Councillor Wera Hobhouse. She said: "These new measures are very welcome and will assist the Council in identifying people who are abusing the scheme.

"Abuse of the Blue Badge scheme is a serious issue and the Council are keen to ensure that only genuine Blue Badge holders benefit from the scheme.

"Disabled parking spaces should only be used by disabled people with the greatest mobility problems who need to park as close as they can to their destination.

"I ask all Blue Badge holders to co-operate fully with our parking attendants if they are asked to submit their badge for inspection. Only by working together can we improve the situation and reduce the number of fraudsters out there who are using Blue Badges illegally."