Council officers seized six Blue Badges that were being misused, along with a further eight for investigation, during a Blue Badge Enforcement Day on Wednesday.
A total of 110 Blue Badges were checked and reviewed within the town centre, as officers from the Investigation Service and staff from the Blue Badge Team and Parking Services worked to identify instances of fraud and abuse and ensure that only those with the right to utilise the Blue Badges were doing so.
These investigations will lead to further action being taken which may include, Warning Letters, Cautions and in some cases Prosecutions for offences of misusing a Blue Badge or Fraud.
A Blue Badge is a UK-wide disabled parking permit for people with severe mobility issues, allowing them to park in disabled bays, on yellow lines (with time limits), and sometimes for free in paid bays. They can be used by people with both visible or hidden disabilities or someone with them, but not by others for personal errands.
Councillor Nicky Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said; “Blue Badge fraud and abuse deprive genuinely disabled people of vital parking spaces.
“If you abuse or misuse a Blue Badge then you are causing people who do need a Blue Badge to miss appointments, struggle with essential errands, and face increased isolation.
“It is also a serious criminal offense punishable by large fines. It’s a selfish crime, and the most vulnerable members of our society are its victims – if you get caught and punished, I have no sympathy for you.”
To report Blue Badge fraud in Bedford, use the Bedford Borough Council's online form, email their Customer Service at customerservices@bedford.gov.uk, or call 01234 267422.
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