On 4 December 2024 Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council carried out a Blue Badge Day of Action to address the issue of blue badge misuse and ensure fair access to accessible parking for disabled residents.
Counter fraud investigators from Veritau worked alongside council officers to check that blue badges were being used by their legitimate holders.
The council regularly undertake Blue Badge Days of Action in an effort to identify and tackle instances of fraud and misuse. This follows previous days of action in May 2023 and May 2024.
The blue badge scheme, which allows individuals with disabilities to park in designated accessible spaces, is vital for those who rely on it to access public services, shops, and other facilities.
However, misuse of these badges by non-disabled individuals deprives those in need of crucial parking spaces, creating unnecessary barriers for people with disabilities.
It’s an offence to misuse a blue badge, with offenders facing possible prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
On the day, officers patrolled high-traffic areas to check blue badges displayed on vehicles. A total of 58 blue badges were checked, and 5 instances of suspected misuse were identified. Over the past three years, the council has taken action against 8 people misusing blue badges, who received a warning in lieu of court action.
Representatives from disability charities have long highlighted the strain blue badge misuse places on disabled people.
Graham Footer, Chief Executive of Disabled Motoring UK, said:
“Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) supports Blue Badge enforcement operations which benefit disabled motorists by stamping out Blue Badge fraud and misuse. This action means that genuine, disabled motorists who are Blue Badge holders are more likely to be able to find accessible parking when they reach their destinations.
“DMUK congratulates Veritau and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council for carrying out a Blue Badge Day of Action, alongside City of York Council and Middlesbrough Council. The fact that eight instances of possible Blue Badge misuse were found on across the region on the day, underlines the importance of carrying out this kind of action.”
Councillor Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
”As a Council, we are committed to ensuring that blue badges are used by legitimate holders and we will continue our efforts to address fraudulent activity. Through continued vigilance, enforcement, and days of action, we aim to protect the integrity of the blue badge scheme and ensure that disabled parking spaces remain accessible for those who truly need them.”