More people fined for misusing Blue Badges

A further five people have been prosecuted for misusing Blue Badges in a continuing crackdown by Bury Council and its parking contractors NSL.

They were fined a total of £2,271, including costs and victim surcharges, at Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday (4 July) for displaying Blue Badges when the badge holders were not present. This follows the prosecution of seven people in March this year for the same offence.

Councillor Judith Kelly, cabinet member for corporate affairs and regulatory services, said: “The aim of the Blue Badge scheme is to provide easy access to work and leisure for people who are genuinely disabled.

“Some people deliberately abuse the system, using badges which belong to another person in order to avoid paying to park or to park in restricted areas, and this will not be tolerated.

“Blue Badges are a lifeline for many Bury residents and we are committed to making sure they are used correctly and that there are parking spaces available for genuine Blue Badge holders.”

The Blue Badge holder must be in the vehicle, as a driver or a passenger, when driven to and from the place where the vehicle is parked.

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 wrongly used can report their concerns at www.bury.gov.uk/fraud

ENDS

Press release issued: 12 July 2017.