Blue Badge cheats using dead to park for free, inquiry discovers

PEOPLE are applying for disabled badges in the names of dead people in a bid to secure themselves parking spots an investigation by council chiefs in Leeds has revealed.

Research has shown a significant problem in Leeds with people using blue badges to which they are not entitled to park in spaces reserved for disabled people or to avoid parking charges.

Leeds City Council is now mounting a crackdown on improper use of blue badges and is warning offenders they face fines and prosecution if they are caught.

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Since the end of October almost 130 incidents of badges being improperly used have been recorded. Of those, 119 fines have been issued to people using a badge they were not entitled to; 13 badges were found to be registered with people who had died; 25 badges were surrendered on the spot after users were challenged; and on four occasions the same badges have been found being used incorrectly twice.

Coun Tom Murray, the council’s executive member for environmental services, said: “As a council we support people who are genuinely disabled and are legitimate badge holders, but misuse of these badges is clearly a problem.

People who are abusing the system, whether deliberately or through lack of understanding, should consider this fair warning – the council will take action. You face fines and now court action if you are caught misusing a blue badge.

“This is an important scheme that allows disabled people to live independent lives, abuse of the system undermines it and costs the city’s taxpayers a lot of money.”

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Blue badges are only for the use of the registered holder and illegal users of badges face fines and prosecution if caught. Badges must not be loaned to family or friends or they can be withdrawn.

The council is working with the Department of Work and Pensions and West Yorkshire Police to share information and address fraud in Leeds – a number of cases involving Blue Badge misuse are currently under investigation.

If someone knows of fraudulent use of a blue badge, they should call 0113 247 4645 or e-mail [email protected] – calls can be made anonymously.