Legal News

Sheffield City Council has prosecuted 17 people for Blue Badge fraud, after they wrongfully used parking badges issued to disabled relatives to park free of charge in Sheffield.

The Blue Badges issued to relatives – including a 90-year-old pensioner and a five-year-old school pupil – had been wrongfully used by motorists who included a university lecturer and a retired doctor.

They were the first to be prosecuted by Sheffield City Council under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, with civil enforcement officers hoping to bring more cases in the near future.

The prosecutions come after the council launched a clampdown on “brazen Blue Badge bluffers”.

Improper use of a Blue Badge can lead to a criminal conviction and a fine of up to £1,000, plus any costs awarded by the court.

Blue Badges which are found to be used fraudulently – even if they have been issued for genuine reasons – can be confiscated as a result of any successful prosecution.

Traffic and Parking Services Business Manager at Sheffield City Council, Paul Fell, said:

“The council is absolutely delighted that these first prosecutions have been made against drivers who abuse somebody else’s Blue Badge for their own gain.

“The improper use of Blue Badges has a major impact on people who actually have disabilities, causing parking problems and discrediting the whole scheme.

“If you let someone else use your Blue Badge, they will be prosecuted and fined and the vehicle will get a penalty charge notice too.

“Nobody else can use the Blue Badge unless they are travelling with the owner – we won’t hesitate to confiscate Blue Badge passes where they are misused.”

It is believed fraudulent Blue Badge misuse poses a significant cost to the city as the pay and display parking areas are not being used as they should be.

Disability Hub Chair John Quinn – who has a mobility impairment and is unable to walk any distance greater than five or ten yards – said he was pleased about the efforts of the council in preventing abuse and misuse of the Blue Badge scheme.

“What people don’t realise is that for many disabled people the Blue Badge is the one thing that can offer us greater independence and help break down some of the barriers we face during our day to day lives.

“When I go out in Sheffield, I need to park close to the venue – if drivers who don’t need a Blue Badge use designated spaces, they are taking away my freedom and ability to take part in my community.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

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