UK motorists have been hit with a stern warning over the use of disabled parking spaces - with thousands predicted to be at risk of substantial fines of up to £1,000.
Blue Badges allow the disabled and those with health conditions to park closer to their destinations, with the scheme also giving the option to park in special bays and on yellow lines.
But the Express reports that some motorists have been caught taking advantage of the scheme, despite not having the right to do so.
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A recent study by Comparethemarket uncovered that between 2019 and 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions for drivers illegally using a Blue Badge - with a further 171 offences committed by Blue Badge holders themselves. Based on a survey of 2,000 UK drivers, the research revealed that 17 to 24-year-olds are most likely to fraudulently use a friend or family member's Blue Badge (31 per cent) and over one in ten have forged or used a stolen permit.
Those aged 55 and over are least likely to misuse a Blue Badge according to the same survey, with some 94 per cent claiming that they have never illegally used one.
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 drivers will avoid a £1,000 fine for Blue Badge misuse:
- The 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 the badge becomes damaged and is difficult to read drivers should replace it.
- When parking on yellow lines or restricted parking, the blue badge clock should be visible from the outside of the 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.
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. Drivers will need to confirm if they experience any psychological distress whilst walking or are at risk of harm to themselves or others whilst walking.
Provide a list of possible coping strategies which they have tried out, to help manage their condition, and why these are not effective.
Supporting evidence includes letters from a GP, consultant or another health professional (such as a psychiatrist, physiotherapist, or neurologist) and school or SENCO reports.
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