Three more motorists were prosecuted for displaying stolen badges last month (27 September) as the Council continues to crack down on misuse around the borough. Fines and costs totalling £4,254 have been issued to the offenders.

In all three cases, the drivers displayed the badges to take advantage of parking concessions they were not entitled to.

The Blue Badge scheme’s eligibility criteria confirms that only individuals who have a physical or non-physical disability affecting their mobility are eligible for a Blue Badge and can benefit from the parking concessions available under the scheme to help them park within a manageable distance of their destination.

Cllr Richard Diment; Bexley's Cabinet Member for Places, said:

It’s particularly disturbing that all of these latest convictions involve the display of stolen Blue Badges.  I’m very pleased though that through the vigilance of our officers, the offenders have been brought to justice.

There can be no excuse for displaying a stolen Blue Badge, it’s dishonest, selfish and shameful.  I wonder if these drivers realise the impact their actions are having on the availability of spaces for those genuinely disabled individuals who need to park close to their destination.

Rest assured that we will continue with our daily checks to protect the Blue Badge scheme and take legal action in all cases of misuse."

Ms Dawn Payne of Lower Range Road, Gravesend, pleaded guilty at her hearing at Bexley Magistrates Court on 27 September 2023. She was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £552 and a surcharge of £48 to total £720.

Miss Jerusa Francisco of Hawthorne Crescent, Greenwich, was proved guilty in her absence at a hearing at Bexley Magistrates Court on 27 September 23. She was fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £400, investigation costs of £285, and a surcharge of £264 to total £1,609.

Mr Muhammad Baksh of Princelet Street, Tower Hamlets, pleaded guilty ahead of his hearing at Bexley Magistrates Court on 27 September 2023. He was fined £589, ordered to pay costs of £400, investigation costs of £700 and a surcharge of £236 to total £1,925.

The Blue Badges associated with all three incidents were issued by local authorities outside Bexley and Bexley residents were not involved in any of the incidents.  Twenty-five prosecutions have taken place for similar Blue Badge misuse related offences in the borough during the last year.

A Blue Badge must be returned to the issuing authority shown on the front of the badge in any of the following circumstances; the badge has expired, the holder’s medical condition/mobility improves and they are no longer eligible, a replacement has been issued for a lost or stolen badge and the original is found, the badge is damaged or illegible, the holder no longer needs the badge because they are confined to the house, or the holder has passed away. Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence that can lead to prosecution, a fine of up to £1,000, an order to pay towards the costs of the Council prosecution and a criminal record.

Anyone who suspects that a Blue Badge is being used for the benefit of a person who is not the badge holder can report their concerns online.