FIVE BLUE BADGE PROSECUTIONS ON SAME DAY
Five blue badge misuse cases have been prosecuted on the same day and in all cases, the badges were used when the badge holders were not present.
Bromley council say it underlines their commitment to continue with its crackdown on misuse to protect the Blue Badge Scheme. All the defendants pleaded guilty and were ordered to pay fines totalling £1130, including prosecution costs and victim surcharges.
These latest convictions bring the total to ten successful prosecutions in as many months since the launch of the blue badge misuse campaign in October 2015. The badge and its concessions are solely for the benefit of the disabled blue badge holder, to help them park close to their destination either as a driver or passenger.
A council spokeswoman said: “Those committing Blue Badge fraud should know that a criminal record is heading their way unless they desist.
“We would urge any driver intending to display a blue badge to ensure they are fully conversant with the scheme rules before doing so.
“In summary, a badge should only be displayed if the badge holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or to pick the badge holder up, or drop them off”.
“Running an errand or shopping on behalf of the badge holder when they are not there constitutes misuse and drivers should be warned that such cases are being successfully prosecuted”.
Blue Badge misuse is criminal offence which can lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. Anyone who suspects that a blue badge is being used for the benefit of a person who is not the badge holder can report their concerns at:www.bromley.gov.uk/reportbluebadge
(Source: Bromley council press release)