Crackdown targets Blue Badge fraudsters

Criminals are not known for their high moral standards, but certainly committing Blue Badge fraud is a specific low point.

The Blue Badge scheme grants parking concessions to more 2.5 million disabled men and women. A Blue Badge holder can, for example, park for cost-free at an on-street parking meter.

But the fraudsters do not appear to care about the genuinely disabled.

Rocketing prosecutions

Blue badge fraud prosecutions have doubled more than 3 years, according to figures from the Local Government Association (LGA).

There had been 686 effective council prosecutions last year, up from 358 in 2010-11. Manchester City Council was particularly successful, achieving a 100% conviction price, with far more than 500 prosecutions over the last 5 years.

Shameless criminality

The criminals are really quite shameless. Some were caught making use of a dead relative’s badge or leaving a disabled particular person at property to get free of charge parking whilst shopping or at operate.

As Robert Goodwill, transport minister, says:

“Pretending to be disabled to dodge parking costs and restrictions is plain shameful and prevents those who have genuine need for Blue Badge from receiving to the parking spots they require.”

Fraud crackdown

The increase in prosecutions is partly down to a crack down on parking fraud making use of new powers that have been granted in 2011. It is now less difficult for councils to seize fake badges or badges that are getting misused.

Handwritten badges are also becoming replaced by electronic badges that are tougher to alter and forge. Some nearby authorities have even set up unique enforcement teams to tackle the fraud.

Bogus internet sites

The Department for Transport is also warning of web sites that charge men and women to apply for a Blue Badge, when it is totally free to apply from a neighborhood authority or via www.gov.uk

So serious is the dilemma that a cross government functioning group led by the Cabinet Office Government Digital Service has been set up to investigate misleading internet sites.

Blue Badge information

The Blue Badge is obtainable only to eligible disabled individuals. Some people are automatically eligible, such as these who are registered blind. Others may possibly have to undergo an independent mobility assessment.

If an application is productive, the council charges an administration charge of up to £10 for the badge, but there is no application fee.

Neighborhood guidelines

Blue Badges are administered by the local council, which can supply info on the nearby parking rules. The scheme is nationwide, though it does not operate in some town centres and particular London boroughs, where parking is currently restricted.

Blue Badge holders might also be eligible for additional concessions. London residents, for example, are exempt from the Congestion Charge.

Misuse penalties

Always make sure you realize the rules, or you could finish up in difficulty. The local authority can cancel or take away your badge if you are identified guilty of misuse, whether or not unwitting or not. You could also be fined up to £1,000.

You can uncover out if you are eligible and apply for a Blue Badge by contacting your neighborhood authority by way of the site www.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can get in touch with the Blue Badge initial enquiry assistance service on 844 463 0213.

Crackdown targets Blue Badge fraudsters