Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination.
The scheme also gives access to disabled bays and permission to park on yellow lines. But some motorists have been caught taking advantage of the scheme.
Any driver using a Blue Badge without being entitled to risks being hit with a £1,000 fine, reports Birmingham Live.
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A recent study by Comparethemarket has revealed that between 2019 and 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions for drivers illegally using another's Blue Badge and another 171 offences committed by the Blue Badge holder themselves.
Based on a survey of 2,000 British motorists, the research revealed that 17-24-year-olds are most likely to illegally use a friend or family member’s Blue Badge (31%) and more than one in ten (13%) have forged or used a stolen Blue Badge (12%).
The survey also revealed that motorists ages 55+ are least likely to misuse a Blue Badge, with 94% claiming they have never illegally used a family or friends’ Blue Badge.
Anna McEntee, director at Comparethemarket, says: "Drivers need to be aware of the rules around Blue Badges and think twice when it comes to illegally misusing one. Figures show that from 2019 to 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions of non-badge holders illegally using another person's Blue Badge.
"Displaying a Blue Badge illegally is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of £1,000 and even risk confiscation of the badge entirely, in turn detrimentally impacting the person it is intended for."
Here are six tips to ensure you'll avoid a £1,000 fine for Blue Badge misuse:
Your Blue Badge should only be used when the holder is in the vehicle as either a driver or passenger.
The badge should be displayed clearly from the outside of the car. The dashboard is often the best place for this with the holographic side up.
When your badge becomes worn and unable to read you should replace it.
When parking on yellow lines or restricted parking, your blue badge clock should be visible from the outside of your car, along with your badge.
An officer can request to see the badge at any time, so ensure it is always with you when driving and parking.
The badge should not be used so that non-badge holders can benefit while the holder sits in the car.
A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland and usually lasts up to three years. It's free in Wales. If you don't already have one, you can apply here.
Anyone with a hidden disability - such as anxiety, autism, chronic pain and respiratory problems - will need to provide supporting evidence confirming the following:
- Diagnosis of your medical condition/disability
- Symptoms/effects of your condition/disability and;
- Explain the need for the Blue Badge in line with the criteria for Hidden Disabilities. You will need to confirm if you experience any psychological distress whilst walking or are at risk of harm to yourself or others whilst walking.
- Provide a list of possible coping strategies which you have tried out, to help manage your condition, and why these are not effective.
Supporting evidence includes letters from your GP, consultant or another health professional (such as a psychiatrist, physiotherapist, or neurologist) and school or SENCO reports.
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