Crackdown against Blue Badge misuse in Central Bedfordshire
Monday, 5 June 2023
A recent crackdown on Blue Badge disabled parking fraud has led to five drivers facing possible court action.
Blue Badges allow a disabled person to park in a disabled bay. These allocated bays provide a fundamental lifeline for disabled people, allowing them to live independently and go about their daily lives easier by giving them convenient priority parking spaces close to their destinations.
On 26 May 2023, the National Blue Badge Day of Action, council officers checked Blue Badges permits in a number of councils run car parks.
During the spot-checks in Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable, officers examined 108 Blue Badges and discovered five instances where the badge holder wasn’t present. There were also four vehicles found parked in disabled parking spaces without a Blue Badge on display and were issued with a parking charge notice.
Councillor John Baker, Executive Member for Finance, said:
Residents have told us that they view parking enforcement as important for this council, and the new Independent administration is determined to respond accordingly.
If you suspect someone illegally uses a Blue Badge, you can report it to us by calling 0300 300 8035 or emailing car.badges@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.