Amy Tinkler, from Telford, was caught displaying a Blue Badge that had not been assigned to her
originally publish By Annabal Bagdi Senior reporter
A woman who was busted using a Blue Badge which did not belong to her has been handed a court bill topping £3,600. Amy Tinkler, from Telford, displayed a Blue Badge in her vehicle when she parked up on double yellow lines.
But she was caught out when a council officer realised the badge did not belong to her. She even failed to hand over the Blue Badge for inspection after parking in Priory Road, Shrewsbury.
Drivers are now being reminded not to ‘abuse’ the Blue Badge system. Tinkler was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a £400 victim surcharge, as well as £2,234.35 costs.
She was sentenced in her absence at Telford Magistrates’ Court after failing to turn up on Monday, March 11. Chris Schofield, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said: “Shropshire Council provides on-street parking concessions for Blue Badge holders to help people with disabilities to park closer to their destination.
“The council is committed to supporting those entitled to Blue Badge parking concessions. However, abuse and misuse of the Blue Badge is a criminal offence, and we will take enforcement action where we can against those who do so.
“Without such consequences, a scheme designed to help those qualifying for a Blue Badge risks falling into disrepute; and the public who abide by parking restrictions will become disillusioned if they see parking controls designed to help, being flouted and abused.” Tinkler was charged with displaying a Blue Badge without the Blue Badge holder being present and failing to hand the badge to a civil enforcement officer for inspection when required to do so, the council said.