Ealing Council has said that in the last six months it has taken more than 20 people to court over blue badge fraud resulting in more than £12,000 of fines being issued with the largest fine given of £1,347.
The blue badge allows disabled people to recieve parking concessions across the borough and around the country which includes being able to park on single yellow lines.
According to the council, over the last six months 52 blue badges have been seized from people using them fraudulently.
Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for climate action said: “We want to ensure that blue badges are available to the people who really rely on them for support. That is why we always take tough action against people who commit fraud. Our officers inspect and investigate in streets and town centres across the borough, tracking down cases of misuse, taking fraudulent blue badges off our streets and fining and prosecuting individuals found to be breaking the law. ”
Councillor Costigan added: “People may think they are doing no harm if they quickly use a blue badge that does not belong to them, but what these drivers need to realise is that they are usually blocking someone with reduced mobility from being able to park and are breaking the law. We will continue to work with the police to tackle misuse and fine and prosecute offenders wherever possible.”
Ealing Council is asking residents to remain alert to blue badge theft and to report it to police if a badge is stolen.
The council is also asking residents to report people if they suspect them using a blue badge fraudulently by calling the council on 020 8825 8161.
