Transport Minister Robert Goodwill this week joined an enforcement team in Leeds to see just how new Government measures to tackle blue badge fraud are being implemented.
More than 2.5million disabled people make use of Blue Badges each year, providing a vital lifeline by providing unhindered access to key parking spaces close to essential services.
However, since coming to power in 2011 the current Government has become concerned that the system is being abused and has introduced a raft of new legislation to tackle the issue. These include replacing handwritten badges with harder to forge electronic ones, giving local authorities power to confiscate cancelled or misused badges, streamlining the administration process, greater use of independent mobility assessments to replace those previously conducted by GP’s, and extending the Blue Badge scheme to more disabled children and service personnel. As a result of the clampdown, prosecutions arising from misuse of the Blue Badge system have almost doubled during the current Government, from 358 in 2011/12 to 686 in 2012/13.
The Blue Badge scheme is available to eligible disabled people and provides free on-street parking and access to services and facilities. It is free to apply, but successful applicants may be charged a fee of up to £10. Applications can made directly to your local authority or via the Gov.UK website, and you can find out more by calling the Blue Badge Initial Enquiry Support Service on 0844 463 0213. Some less scrupulous independent websites attempt charge up to £50 for processing applications and these should be avoided.
"We have brought in major reforms to crack down on fraudsters abusing Blue Badges,” said Mr Goodwill as he took to the streets with a Leeds City Council enforcement team.
“Pretending to be disabled to dodge parking fees and restrictions is plain shameful and prevents those who have genuine need for Blue Badge from getting to the parking spots they need.”
"Our overhaul is helping councils to stamp out fraud. We've made it easier to spot forgeries and prosecute those seeking to abuse the system."
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