Shropshire’s parking service and police are joining forces in Shrewsbury to tackle Blue Badge fraud by motorists.

No Shrewsbury or Shropshire figures are available but the Department for Transport estimates that nationally 700,000 Blue Badges are misused at any one time.

Staff from the Shropshire Council parking service, who areworking with the police, will be out and about in the town over the next two weeks.

The campaign will see them educate motorists about the correct use of the badges.

The council says “appropriate officers” will also have the powers to inspect and remove any being used fraudulently.

Using stolen or fake Blue Badges, or allowing a family member or friend to use them without the badge holder in the vehicle, is classed as fraud and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Shropshire Council cabinet member for local environment and economy David Roberts said today: “We are committed to reducing the levels of Blue Badge Fraud in Shropshire and hope this campaign will raise awareness of the problem.

“Our first priority is educating Blue Badge holders on the correct use of their badges.

“However, by working in partnership with the police any badges being misused can be confiscated.”

A council spokeswoman said it was taking action because of concerns raised by members of the public and as a result of the authority’s experiences of people misusing the badges.

“The aim of this campaign is to educate people and, hopefully it should provide us with a picture of how serious this problem is in Shropshire,” she said.

The Blue Badge scheme provides concessions for people with severe walking difficulties and those who are registered as blind or partially sighted who travel either as passengers or drivers.

Shropshire Council is urging people with any information on anyone misusing a badge to report them by calling a dedicated line on (01743) 210361 or by going online at www.shropshire.gov.uk/parking

By Dave Morris