Originally Publish By Bridie Adams
A WOMAN has been prosecuted for using someone else’s blue badge to park her vehicle.
In a case brought by Herefordshire Council, Angela Dolan was found to have unlawfully used a disabled person’s blue badge to park her vehicle in Ross-on-Wye, breaching the Road Traffic Regulation Act.
Herefordshire Council issues blue badges to disabled people who often have severe mobility problems. Blue badges enable these people to park close to the vital services they need to use.
Misusing a blue badge is a criminal offence and Dolan’s fine, which included costs, totalled over £650. This was made up of a £220 fine, an £88 victim surcharge, and prosecution costs of £345.60.
Dolan had been caught illegally using a disabled person’s badge by displaying it in her own vehicle on September 1 last year.
She parked her vehicle in several different streets around Ross-on-Wye that had parking restrictions, like taxi rank spaces and residents’ parking spaces.
The 64-year-old from Buttevant in County Cork, Ireland, was convicted of the offence via single justice procedure on March 7.
A council spokesperson has previously given a statement on the misuse of blue badges, and said: “Blue badges are issued to residents with a disability, so they are able to park close to services they need.
“Those who misuse a blue badge may not think it will affect anyone. But removing an accessible parking space for those who need it can hinder their ability to live an independent life.”
The council added that it takes blue badge abuse very seriously. Its civil enforcement officers carry out spot checks on vehicles and the council will continue to prosecute those who misuse blue badges.
Blue badge holders in Herefordshire have access to a number of on-street parking concessions. However, a blue badge can only be used by the named badge holder, or by a driver who has dropped off or is collecting the badge holder from the place where the vehicle is parked.
Disabled people, including those with hidden disabilities, can apply for a blue badge from Herefordshire Council.