Parking enforcement officers and fraud investigators at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council worked together to crack down and help detect blue badge abuse last Friday (24 May) as part of the National Blue Badge Day of Action.
The event saw over 100 councils from across the country take part to help tackle blue badge misuse.
Veritau – the organisation that investigates fraud on behalf of the council – teamed up with officers from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to check blue badges were being used lawfully.
For a badge to be used correctly, it must be displayed in a parked vehicle where the badge owner is present, or the driver is parking specifically to pick up or drop off the badge owner. Misusing a blue badge is a criminal offence, with offenders facing possible prosecution, and a fine of up to £1,000.
Proactive days of action are an opportunity for local authorities to make sure that blue badges are being used correctly in the community. Badges are identified by the council’s enforcement officers, with Veritau’s fraud officers contacting the badge owner, to ensure that the use is appropriate.
51 badges were checked over the course of the day. Parking enforcement officers reported that the day was successful and reaction from most members of the public was very positive.
Jay Hosie, Service Lead for Community Safety & Streetscene, said: “The Blue Badge scheme is an amazing system helping many people with health conditions or disabilities have easier access to places they need to go.
“If people abuse this system, it means disabled bays are being taken up, and the disabled community are left without access to shops, services, or meeting up with friends, which can leave them feeling incredibly isolated. It’s so important we tackle fraudulent use, so these bays are available for those who really need them.”
Members of the public with any information on fraudulent activity against the council are encouraged to phone the counter fraud hotline on 0800 9179 247, or email counter.fraud@veritau.co.uk. You can remain anonymous, and all concerns are treated seriously.