Originally publish By Amy Clarke
A woman who used a dead person’s disabled parking badge in Blackheath has been hit with a fine of £1,366.
Karupa Patel, of Woodlands Drive, Stanmore, was found to have abused a cancelled blue badge on more than one occasion to park in Walerand Road in Blackheath.
The 51-year-old was convicted of double offences under the Road Traffic Regulation Act by Bromley Magistrates Court on August 15.
Despite the ruling, Patel did not attend any of the court hearings or send a representative.
She was ordered to pay £1,366 in fines and prosecution costs.
The prosecution for the misuse of the blue badge was carried out Lewisham Council and NSL Parking Services.
Councillor Amanda de Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance and Strategy said: “Lewisham Council has a zero tolerance to fraud.
“The Council is committed to preventing fraud and corruption within all aspects of the Council’s daily life, whether internal or external.
“This is excellent work by Council officers and our partners to identify fraud and put a stop to it.
“If any of our residents suspect fraud is taking place, whether it be blue badges, housing or anything else, we encourage reporting it to the council immediately by visiting our website.”
Lewisham Council, through its Anti-Fraud and Corruption Team, investigates fraudulent activities like the misuse of disabled parking badges.
Lewisham Council’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Team investigates all allegations of fraud against Lewisham Council, including fraudulent use of blue badges.