People who abuse blue badges are being warned that confiscation and prosecution could follow after a 21-year-old woman was found guilty of such offences.
In a hearing at Oxford Magistrates Court on 31 May, Tasnim Al-Samad of Westminster Way, Botley near Oxford, was found guilty of illegally using a blue badge to park in Oxford city centre on the 26 September 2023.
When officers from Oxfordshire County Council Council’s Counter Fraud Team checked the badge, they established that it had been reported stolen from the London Borough of Hillingdon and seized it.
Ms Al-Samad claimed that the badge belonged to her friend who had been with her when she parked. When later interviewed under caution she admitted to having bought the badge from the social media platform ‘Snapchat’ and that no one was with her when she parked.
Ms Al-Samad was fined £300 plus a court charge of £120 and the county council was awarded costs of £350.
Blue badge misuse is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. A penalty charge notice will normally be issued to anyone misusing a disabled parking bay.
Mark Haynes, Director of Customer and Culture at Oxfordshire County Council which includes the blue badge service, said: “People rely on their blue badges so that they can park near workplaces, supermarkets, and health facilities. Illegal use of the scheme denies a space to someone who really needs it.
“It is particularly concerning that this conviction involves the display of a stolen badge. It is not acceptable to misuse this service and the recent enforcement operation shows that this council is taking action to stop this abuse.”
Why blue badges are important
As well as removing blue badges from people who are misusing and abusing the scheme, enforcement is used to raise awareness of the importance of the badges for residents who really need them.
Many people rely on their blue badge to remain mobile and independent, enabling them to access goods and services.
Inappropriate use of disabled parking bays can result in blue badge holders missing medical appointments, not being able to get out to buy food, or get to work. Every space really does matter.
Originally Publish By news.oxfordshire.gov.uk