Hounslow Council cracks down on fraudulent Blue Badge use

Motorists abusing the Blue Badge parking permit can expect to face serious consequences across the borough.

In a series of recent prosecutions, one offender was taken to court and fined over £1000 for using a family member’s Blue Badge. The document is granted for use by disabled motorists or passengers only and always remains the property of the issuing council. In another instance, an offender was even caught using the Blue Badge that belonged to a deceased holder.

The majority of Blue Badges are used correctly where there is genuine need but unfortunately a small minority are abusing the system and taking away from those with need. London is home to the most drivers prosecuted for the misuse of Blue Badges across England according to Department for Transport data. This is why Hounslow Council is also collaborating with other London boroughs to detect misuse of all Blue Badges, including those issued by other councils.

The Council’s message on Blue Badge misuse is clear; if you were not given a badge, you must not use one to get free or better parking. The Blue Badge cannot be shared by a spouse, family member or anyone else and the document must be annulled by the council if the bearer dies. The Council’s penalties include the confiscation or permanent removal of the badge and a fine of up to £1,000 plus costs.

Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Parking, Parks and Leisure, said: “It saddens me to learn that this type of dishonest, shameful abuse is happening in our borough as it is genuine Blue Badge holders who suffer as a result of fraudulent use.

“I am pleased that our officers are continuing to be vigilant with their Blue Badge checks and offenders are being brought to justice.

“I wonder if these offenders realise that they took away a parking space from someone in genuine need. When Blue Badge holders cannot park close enough to where they need to go, they may end up abandoning their appointments or planned trips.

“We will continue our routine checks and prosecute without exception. We have the means to check the validity of a Blue Badge instantly.

“So, if you are misusing a Blue Badge, it is only a question of time before you are detected and prosecuted.”

A Blue Badge must be returned to Hounslow Borough Council or respective issuing authority if:

• the document 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 document is damaged or illegible 

• the holder no longer needs the badge because they are confined to the house, or the holder has died. 

A Blue Badge must NOT:

• Be shared with family members, friends, relatives or anyone else
• Be used if the person it was granted to dies
• Be obtained from any source besides a council
• Be used if the passenger it was granted for is not present for the journey

If you suspect a badge is being misused, please contact the Council Blue Badge team at: bluebadge@hounslow.gov.uk