A BLUE Badge Day of Action has been held across South Tees as part of a clampdown on parking fraud.
The Day of Action was held on Thursday 11 December and led by Veritau (which provides counter fraud services to local authorities) working with Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and City of York Council.
Blue parking badges are issued to people with disabilities and, at a time when cold weather and limited daylight can significantly affect mobility, ensuring disabled residents are able to park closely to essential services is even more important.
As shopping areas become increasingly busy in the lead-up to the festive season, the councils are taking steps to ensure disabled residents issued with the special Blue Badges can still access key services and shops.
The councils both utilised data collected from previous enforcement exercises, so that resources could be focussed on the areas where misuse has occurred in the past.
In Middlesbrough, 37 badges were checked across several locations, with one potential instance of misuse identified which is now under investigation. Since May 2023, Middlesbrough Council’s Blue Badge Days of Action have resulted in a total of 208 blue badges checked, with four potential instances of misuse identified.
In Redcar and Cleveland, 32 badges were checked across several locations, with one potential instance of misuse identified which is now under investigation. Since May 2023, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Blue Badge Days of Action have resulted in a total of 194 blue badges checked, with nine potential instances of misuse identified.
Blue Badge misuse can take many forms. Common examples include using someone else’s badge without the badge holder being present, continuing to use a badge that belonged to someone who has died, or using one that is expired, reported lost or stolen. Offenders face possible prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
Both councils are committed to proactively tackling Blue Badge misuse and will continue to run regular enforcement activities such as this one.
Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment & Sustainability, said: “The Blue Badge scheme is a vital resource for those who need it and who use it responsibly, and to abuse it is simply unacceptable.
“We do everything we can to ensure the town centre is accessible to all, and this important scheme is a key part of that. This campaign is a timely reminder that while enforcement is always a last resort, the rules are there for a reason and those who flout them can expect to receive a hefty fine.”
Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at said: "Blue Badges are a lifeline for people who genuinely rely on them to shop, work, reach important appointments and stay independent. When someone misuses a badge, they take spaces away from residents with serious mobility issues and make everyday tasks much harder for those who need support the most. Misuse is a crime. Our enforcement teams check all Blue Badges and follow up every case through to prosecution. Well done to everyone involved in this day of action and for shining a light on an issue that matters deeply to our residents.”
If you suspect fraud please report it to the council’s counter-fraud team, Veritau, immediately on 0800 9179 247 or counter.fraud@veritau.co.uk.