Legal News

A crack down on Blue Badge fraud by Ealing Council has resulted in 26 badges being used fraudulently being seized since July.

Blue Badge parking permits are issued to drivers with serious mobility problems and disabilities – they allow drivers to park closer to their homes or destination, and must only be used if the person issued with the badge is present.

Blue Badge fraud involves use of the badge by either friends or family – or drivers using lost, stolen or counterfeit badges.

This blocks disabled parking spaces and deprives drivers who need them from being able to access a disabled parking space.

The fraudulent use of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of £1,000, as well as a criminal prosecution.

Council officers on Ealing – acting on information from civil enforcement officers (CEOs) and reports from members of the public – are challenging drivers who are using Blue Badges fraudulently and seizing them where they can.

Cases are also being passed to the council’s legal team for prosecution.

The council says that one of the seized badges was issued by Southwark Council and had been recently cancelled after its elderly owner had died.

An investigator spotted the badge being used fraudulently in Ealing Broadway. When the driver was challenged, they admitted that they knew the owner had died and the badge was confiscated. The case has been referred to the council’s legal team.

To help cut down on Blue Badge theft, Ealing Council has introduced a disabled parking permit for residents who have been granted a disabled parking bay. This allows them to park in a residential disabled parking bay overnight, without having to display their Blue Badge in their car.

Ealing Council Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Leisure, Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, said:

“Blue Badges are issued to people who face real difficulty in getting around –
and are often a lifeline.

“When fraudsters selfishly use fake or stolen badges to block spaces that are not intended for them – or use a relative’s badge without them being present –
they make it even harder for people with mobility issues to go about their daily business.

“We are increasing the pressure on Blue Badge cheats and are catching fraudsters red-handed.

“Anyone using a Blue Badge dishonestly should know that our staff are looking out for them – and will take every opportunity to enforce the law.”

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge for fraud – including serious fraud offences and white collar crime, company fraud, financial fraud, boiler room scams, benefit fraud and Blue Badge fraud.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.