Shropshire Council plans blue badge fraud crackdown
Tuesday 29th March 2011, 5:30PM BST.
Shropshire Council will use new powers next month to crackdown on Blue Badge fraudsters.
Blue Badges provide a lifeline in the council area to 13,500 disabled people by prioritising parking places close to important services. But badge holders are being disadvantaged by other drivers who are abusing the system.
The council is already working in partnership with the police to tackle the problem.
And from next month the authority will be given additional powers by the Government.
Using stolen or fake Blue Badges or allowing a family member or friend to use them without the badge holder in the vehicle is fraud.
Misusing a Blue Badge could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
Martin Taylor-Smith, council cabinet member for transport, said: “The Government estimates that Blue Badge fraud is costing the UK £46 million a year.
“We are committed to reducing the levels of Blue Badge fraud in Shropshire and ensuring that those who rely on the scheme are not losing out because of fraudsters.”
He added: “The council’s parking service will be raising awareness of the issue by educating motorists while out and about in the county.
“The new measures also mean that officers will increasingly have more powers to take action and we are encouraging people to contact us if they think anyone is fraudulently using badges.”
The grounds on which badges can be withdrawn are being widened and electronic badges are being introduced which are more difficult to alter and forge.
Sue Wood, chairman of the Shropshire Wheelchair User Group, said: “The Blue Badge scheme helps people with disabilities to retain their independence.
“In recent months there has already been a noticeable reduction in the abuse of Blue Badges.
“We welcome the council and police’s further efforts to tackle Blue Badge fraud and prevent legitimate badge holders being deprived of vital car parking spaces,” she added.
Shropshire Council is urging people with any information on anyone misusing Blue Badges to report them by calling 0345 678 9019.
Alternatively instance of badge fraud can be reported online at www.shrop shire.gov.uk/parking
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about time someone did something they been getting away with it for years.
what makes me laugh if you cant walk than so many yards you get a blue badge lol.
i see blue badge holders running out cars and rushing all round without sticks and frames if they got caught on camera they could also question why they getting disability money as well.
this would save the goverment millions in fraudulant claims.
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I regularly challenge fit and healthy looking people who park in disabled spaces, even builders in builders vans. All I get is “I’ve got a disabled badge”. Well I have got a premiership football shirt but I don’t play in the premiership. I think if people had a better understanding of what is “acceptably disabled” ie can only walk 100 yards or so unaided, then we can challenge more often. As for those who have intermittent problems, then park normally when you are well and use the space when you are obviously unwell. As for the selfish, lazy wasters who use other peoples badges I hope one day you are in need and your space is taken similarly.
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They also need to stop people who have a blue badge holder as a pasenger, from parking in a disabled space so THEY can nip into a shop, or the post office etc; leaving the disabled person sitting in the car!
The blue badge is for the benefit of the holder; not the driver.
While they are ‘nipping’ into a shop, their car could be preventing another disabled person from parking, who actually wants to get out and shop.
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What gets my goat is the selfish nature of people who abuse the blue badge system. They don’t even give a second thought to the consequences of their actions. This also applies to people who regard disabled bays as “short stay” slots, which are there to make it easier for them to nip to the cashpoint.
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