Parking enforcement officers and fraud investigators at Middlesbrough Council worked together to crack down and help detect blue badge abuse as part of the National Blue Badge Day of Action.
The event on May 24 saw over 100 councils from across the country take part to help tackle blue badge misuse.
Veritau – the organisation that investigates fraud on behalf of the council – teamed up with officers from the Council on their patrols to check blue badges were being used lawfully.
For a badge to be used correctly, it must be displayed in a parked vehicle where the badge owner is present, or the driver is parking specifically to pick up or drop off the badge owner. Misusing a blue badge is a criminal offence, with offenders facing possible prosecution, and a fine of up to £1,000.
Proactive days of action are an opportunity for local authorities to make sure that blue badges are being used correctly in the community. Badges are identified by the Council’s enforcement officers, with Veritau’s fraud officers contacting the badge owner, to ensure that the use is appropriate.
53 badges were checked over the course of the day, with 2 tickets issued for parking contraventions.
Parking enforcement officers reported that the day was successful and reaction from most members of the public was very positive.
Cllr Janet Thompson, Executive member for Community Safety at Middlesbrough Council, said: “The rules around using Blue Badges are very clear and I’m pleased that we take action to ensure they are being used correctly.
“It’s in the interests of people who need to use a Blue Badge and indeed all road users that this work takes place.”
Members of the public with any information on fraudulent activity against the council are encouraged to phone the counter fraud hotline on 0800 9179 247, or email the team. You can remain anonymous, and all concerns are treated seriously.