Crackdown on Blue Badge fraudsters

That is the warning from East Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Safety Team.

They are cracking down 
on those who abuse the 
system for disabled people.

These include people parking where they are not entitled, the use of expired badges; badges being misused by friends/relatives (eg when the individual to whom the badge has been issued is not present).

Changes in the law mean that Community Wardens can seize badges being fraudulently used and/or cancel them 
altogether.

The responsibility for proper use of a Blue Badge lies with the badge holder, said a council spokesperson.

He added it is a criminal offence for anyone to misuse it and doing so could result in a £1,000 fine, a criminal record and confiscation.

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said: “Concerns have been raised about the misuse of Blue Badges and the impact it has on law-abiding members of the public - particularly people with mobility and 
accessibility issues.

“If you are caught fraudulently using a disabled person’s parking badge when you are not entitled to do so, it 
may result in you receiving a criminal record and the holder losing their Blue Badge.”

The Council’s Community Safety Team ran an enforcement campaign in October last year where a total of 62 Blue Badges were inspected.

Seven were seized as a result of misuse. Anyone wishing to provide information on potential misuse is urged to call 0300 1234 510.

Meanwhile, Blue Badge holders are being reminded they can park for free in all of East Dunbartonshire’s Council car parks - even where charges are in place.

If you have a Blue Badge then you are entitled to park in Council car parks without charge - regardless of whether it is in a disabled bay or not - as long as your Blue Badge is prominently displayed.

You also don’t have to obtain a ticket for the initial free two-hour period, provided your badge is on show.

The news met with a mixed response on the council’s Facebook page.

Some people agreed while others thought the council’s resources should be put elsewhere.

One resident posted: “Why not target all the parking on double yellow lines on Kirkintilloch road in Bishopbriggs? It’s a nightmare at rush hour”.

Another posted: “I also think that instead of using resources in this way the council would be better spending the money on wider issues. Like the state of the roads!!!! Potholes everywhere. It’s a disgrace”.

One woman spoke out about people being too quick to judge about others abilities.

She posted: “Not all disabilities are visible and badges are not only given to those unable to walk, but to those who have significant medical issues that may mean that they require to be able to park somewhere quickly and then use the facilities within different establishments!

“I understand there are some people that may abuse this but I also find that the fact that people who are judgemental of people with these badges are as disgusting 
as those who think it is okay to abuse the system”.

I also think that instead of using resources in this way the council would be better spending the money on wider issues. Like the state of the roads!!!! Potholes everywhere. It’s a disgrace.