Northumberland County Council has issued a warning to motorists of the consequences of the incorrect use of the national Blue Badge scheme. 

The Blue Badge scheme is designed to help disabled people park closer to their destination by providing a clearly visible badge which can be put in the front windscreen when parked. 

The council claim that although the vast majority of badges are used correctly, there is a small minority who misuse other people’s Blue Badges, either to save money by parking in disabled bays or through laziness and a wish to park closer to where they want to go. 
 

The county council’s Corporate Fraud Team and Civil Enforcement Officers work together to highlight and tackle blue badge fraud and misuse. Over recent months 11 Blue Badges have been cancelled that were being used inappropriately.  

 

There has also been 1 prosecution which resulted in a hefty fine and 27 penalty charge notices issued along with a formal written warning, for misuse of a blue badge. 

 

Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for Looking after our Communities, said: “The Blue Badge parking scheme is key for our residents with mobility problems or hidden disabilities, allowing them to park their vehicle close to their destination, either as a passenger or the driver. 
 

“However, misuse of blue badges is not acceptable and means that those who genuinely need to use these parking spaces can find themselves displaced by people who do not.  
 

“Often misuse is by relative who is not eligible to use the Blue Badge which belongs to a family member and our civil enforcement officers are quite right to take this positive action. 
 

“As a council we are committed to supporting those genuine users who need access to parking spaces to lead more active and independent lives.” 

 

Following a trend in the misuse of organisations blue badges we are now undertaking a review of all organisational badges to ensure they are all still required and in possession of the organisation and are being used appropriately/legally.   

 

We are beginning to contact all relevant organisations about this review and would ask that anyone we contact responds. 

 

We also have a dedicated fraud  reporting hotline 01670 624359. and online form where people can anonymously report any suspected misuse of a blue badge  at nland.uk/fraud