Support for Blue Badge holders against fraudsters
To address any misuse of Blue Badges and to uphold the rights of disabled people, counter fraud investigators and council officers carried out a day of action.
On 4 December 2024, officers patrolled high-traffic areas around the city to check that Blue Badges were being used correctly and by their legitimate holders. Of the 162 badges checked, and only three instances of suspected misuse were identified and are being followed up. This low figure shows that the vast majority of badges are valid and being used correctly, and that Days of Action like this help ensure that continues.
The Blue Badge scheme allows disabled people to park in designated, accessible spaces. Valid badges must be displayed in the parked vehicle used by the badge owner, or by a driver parking to pick up or drop off the badge owner. Misuse can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
The council and Veritau – the organisation that investigates fraud on behalf of the council – regularly undertake days of action to discourage, identify and tackle instances of Blue Badge fraud and misuse.
Over the past three years, the council has taken action against 33 people misusing Blue Badges. Three were prosecuted, nine were cautioned in lieu of court action, and 21 received a formal warning.
Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Equality and Inclusion and with portfolio for fraud, said:
“Misuse of these badges is a concern for the Council and the 7,200 York residents who hold Blue Badges. We are committed to ensuring that these badges are used legitimately and will continue to protect the integrity of the scheme and ensure that accessible parking spaces are available for disabled people when they need them.”
“It’s encouraging to see that from this relatively low level of suspected misuse, residents are largely respecting this scheme and using badges correctly. Days of Action like this should help reduce misuse further so that legitimate user get the access they need.”
Representatives from disability charities have long highlighted the strain Blue Badge misuse places on disabled people.
Graham Footer, Chief Executive of Disabled Motoring UK, said:
“Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK) supports Blue Badge enforcement operations which benefit disabled motorists by stamping out Blue Badge fraud and misuse. This action means that genuine, disabled motorists who are Blue Badge holders are more likely to be able to find accessible parking when they reach their destinations.
“DMUK congratulates Veritau Fraud Investigations and City of York Council for carrying out a Blue Badge Day of Action, as did other councils. The fact that eight instances of possible Blue Badge misuse were found across the region on the day, underlines the importance of carrying out this kind of action.”
Anyone concerned about suspected misuse of a badge and, because not all disabilities are visible, should not challenge the person directly. Instead, contact Veritau by calling: 0800 9179 247 or emailing: fraud@york.gov.uk.
Find out more about the Blue Badge scheme here.