Councils double number of Blue Badge prosecutions in just three years
The number of successful prosecutions brought by councils over Blue Badge fraud has doubled in three years, the Local Government Association has revealed.
There were 686 such prosecutions in 2013 – up from 330 in 2010. Stoke-on-Trent, Plymouth and Hull were among the councils to secure their first prosecutions during the year.
Manchester City Council has meanwhile enjoyed a 100% conviction rate over the last five years, during which it has brought more than 500 prosecutions.
The LGA said councils were also using new powers to seize and confiscate badges suspected of being used illegally. Some councils have set up specific enforcement teams to tackle the issue.
Some of those prosecuted have included lawyers and estate agents, the Association added.
Cllr Peter Box, chair of the LGA’s Economy and Transport Board, said: “Blue badge fraud is a crime that robs disabled people of their independence and ability to get out and about in their own cars and park more easily to visit shops or family and friends. It is shocking how low some people are stooping in order to con a few hours of free parking including using a dead relative’s blue badge or leaving a disabled parent trapped in their home.”
He added: “Councils are determined to do everything in their power to protect the quality of life for our disabled and vulnerable residents and will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone caught abusing the scheme. With more of these fraudsters being brought to justice than ever before by councils, this is sending a strong message that we will come down hard on drivers illegally using blue badges.”
Cllr Box also called on residents to tip councils off about abuse of the system, saying it was a key way that authorities could tackle the problem.
According to the National Fraud Authority, an estimated 20% of all blue badges in circulation are abused at an annual cost of £46m to councils.
A Blue Badge can only be used in a vehicle when it is being driven by or being used to transport the Blue Badge holder. Misuse of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1984. The maximum fine on conviction is £1,000.