Blue Badge abuse clamp down in Blackpool

Blackpool Council have pledged to do more to tackle potentially fraudulent use of the Blue Badge scheme.

Blackpool Council is planning another widespread exercise to identify those individuals who appear to be abusing the Blue Badge scheme to support genuine Blue Badge holders.

Although the council is committed to tackling Blue Badge fraud all year round it did undertake some intense activity earlier this year as part of the ‘National Blue Badge Day of Action’.

Civil Enforcement Officers joined officers from the Corporate Fraud Team, to take action against any potential fraudulent use of the scheme.

On the day, over 200 Blue Badges were inspected locally. The majority of badges inspected were seen to be genuine and being used correctly and badge holders were pleased to see that Blackpool Council was actively supporting disabled motorists.

However, some misuse was identified with ten badges seized, two Penalty Charge Notices issued, and six misuse letters issued as a result of expired badges, use of a deceased persons badge or the badge holder not being present.

Since June 2022, as part of their routine duties, local Civil Enforcement Officers have additionally seized 11 Blue Badges and issued eight misuse letters.

Also as a result of a separate data matching exercise from the National Fraud Initiative 2022, a further 184 badges have been cancelled in 2023 due to the badge no longer being valid.

Following this success and positive comments from legitimate badge holders planning is underway to conduct a further similar focused exercise like the National Blue Badge Day of Action in the near future within Blackpool.

Cllr Jason Roberts, Chairman of Blackpool Council’s Audit Committee, said: “We will not tolerate the abuse or fraudulent use of Blue Badges. It is extremely unfair on the people within our communities and those visitors who have a legitimate need to be part of and use this scheme.”

Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member with responsibilities for parking commented: “We are really committed to identifying those that selfishly and illegally use blue badges to park and in so doing occupy spaces for legitimate patrons, so we are preparing to undertake further robust and widespread inspections.”

Use of Blue Badges: The do’s and don’ts

Do:

• Display your badge if you are in a vehicle as either a driver or passenger, and you intend to get out of the vehicle.
• Display your badge if you are being either collected or dropped off from a destination.
• Ensure the badge is clearly visible on the dashboard or facia panel of the vehicle, showing the hologram and badge details.
• Display the parking clock to show the quarter hour period that you arrived (when parking in places where there is a time restriction, such as disabled parking bays, yellow lines, etc).
• Return badges that have expired, are no longer required, or were issued to a now deceased person. Badges should be returned via post to: FAO Blue Badge Team, Blackpool Council, PO Box 4, Blackpool, FY1 1NA; or in person via the post box outside Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street, Blackpool, FY1 1NF.

The Blue Badge Scheme is primarily for on-street parking, although Blackpool Council also recognise its use within some council run car parks and allow a 3 hour free concession. Badge holders are advised to check individual car park tariff/notice boards for Blue Badge concession details. If no concession is available you are required to purchase a pay and display ticket to cover the length of your stay. Further information regarding where badge holders can park for free in Blackpool can be found online at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/disabled-parking

Do not:

• Use a Blue Badge to do something on the badge holder’s behalf whilst they are not present (e.g. shopping, etc).
• Display a badge if you are not the badge holder, unless either collecting or dropping off the badge holder.
• Display a badge to take advantage of the benefits of the scheme whilst the badge holder remains in a vehicle, hence not directly using the badge in accordance with the guidance.
• Give the badge to friends or family to allow them to benefit from parking concessions.
• Display a badge that has expired, is no longer required, or was issued to a now deceased person.

Further information regarding the Blue Badge Scheme can be found at: The Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As not all disabilities are visible, please do not directly approach any individuals you suspect of misusing the scheme. If you suspect misuse of a Blue Badge within Blackpool, please contact corporatefraud@blackpool.gov.uk