Council crackdown on Blue Badge misuse lands woman with £500 bill

Sarah Crosskey, from Wivenhoe, Essex, is the first to be prosecuted, after Hull Council announced it was taking a zero tolerance approach following complaints from Blue Badge holders who were unable to find a free parking space.

Crosskey pleaded guilty to three offences under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 at Hull Magistrates’ Court. She was fined £100 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 as well as £350 costs.

Her car had been spotted on April 18, May 16 and July 20, in Dock Street, Hull, displaying a blue badge she was not entitled to use.

Council investigators followed up nearly 30 reports of misuse from members of the public and parking wardens. The council said some cases had been unfounded – showing abuse was not as widespread as it was perceived to be – but is still pursuing a minority.

Coun Martin Mancey, a member of the council’s cabinet, said: “The Blue Badge system provides an essential facility to vulnerable people who require access to disabled parking facilities. But the system can work only if it is respected.”