Drivers who misuse the Blue Badge system can end up paying the price through hefty fines as more drivers get brought to justice.
As several thefts continue to sweep across the country, more drivers are being caught by local authorities and the police who are cracking down on the crime.
The increased scrutiny comes after the Metropolitan Police recorded 6,415 badges stolen last year.
The Blue Badge scheme allows drivers who hold one, free and heavily discounted parking prices across the UK.
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They can also park in disabled bays on streets without a time limit unless there is a sign detailing one and on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless there is a “no loading” sign.
But with roughly two million users in the UK, more thefts to access the parking benefits have been found.
In one case a driver in the North East of England was found guilty of misusing the scheme and was forced to pay a penalty of more than £2,000.
The perpetrator parked in a disabled bay in Morpeth in Northumberland displaying another person’s blue badge on the dashboard, who was not in the vehicle
An investigation by the local authority found that the badge holder had not been in Morpeth that day.
A Northumberland Council spokesperson said: “The blue badge scheme offers a much needed and often essential lifeline to those who have them.
“The County Council is committed to equality, accessibility, and fairness within our communities.
“Together, we want to send a strong message that misuse of blue badges will not be tolerated, and that we stand united in our resolve to ensure justice and convenience for those who rely on these provisions the most.”
If someone is found to be illegally using a Blue Badge, they can be hit with a £1,000 fine and the permit could be taken off them.
In 2021, the number of drivers who were prosecuted for misusing the Blue Badge system was 698, with London having the most cases, followed by the West Midlands and Yorkshire.
During National Blue Badge Day of Action 2024 10,040 badges were inspected and 423 misuse offences detected.
Last year, 20 warnings and four Simple Cautions were issued for Blue Badge misuse in the county – many of those also received a Civil Penalty Notice.
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A recent report highlighted how more than two-thirds of drivers admitted they had witnessed someone misusing a disabled parking space.
