A CRACKDOWN on misuse has seen dozens of blue badges seized this year.

Since January, North Somerset Council’s parking services team has taken action against 40 individuals for abusing blue badge privileges.

Blue badges allow drivers or passengers with disabilities to park closer to their destinations, including where other vehicles are prohibited from parking.

However, the council said some people abuse the system by, for example, using the badge when the badge holder isn’t in the car with them, which is a criminal offence.

Now, in a crackdown on the abuse, the council has:

• seized 40 blue badges for misuse
• prosecuted 17 individuals for blue badge abuse
• issued eight warnings
• issued fines totalling £8,635

The council is also actively investigating a further 17 cases.

Recent cases successfully taken to court by the council include:

• Gill Penberth, fined a total of £636 for using a blue badge when the badge holder wasn’t present.
• Jordanna Rock, fined a total of £306 for using a blue badge when the badge holder wasn’t present.
• Lee Young, fined a total of £508 for using a blue badge when the badge holder wasn’t present.

Councillor Mark Canniford, executive member for spatial planning, placemaking and economy, said: “We take blue badge abuse very seriously at North Somerset Council.

“Blue badges exist so we can make sure that those most in need can park closer to facilities, as we understand the difficulties some people have gaining access to town centres and the facilities they require.

“Misusing a blue badge means you’re stopping someone from parking where they need to.

“Blue badge abuse is a crime. If you use someone else’s blue badge when they aren’t in the car with you, or if the badge is expired, you’re breaking the law.

“This can lead to the holder having their badge confiscated, and you can be fined up to £1,000.”

More information on blue badges – and how to use them – is available online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/usebluebadge.