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BLUE BADGE FRAUD AND MISUSE IS A HUGE ISSUE ON THE RISE, WITH EXPERTS WARNING THAT THE 'HARMLESS' ACT OF BORROWING A PERMIT FROM FAMILY CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES 13:02, 14 May
2025 Fraud and abuse of the UK's Blue Badge scheme has surged by more than 1,000% in less than a decade, marking what is now being dubbed a "serious and growing problem".
Experts say this could put the system in danger for those who need it most. The scheme, which allows individuals with disabilities to park in allocated accessible spots and bypass certain
restrictions, is increasingly being manipulated by dishonest drivers. As per recently disclosed figures, reported cases of Blue Badge misuse escalated from hundreds in 2016 to more than
3,500 instances in 2023, a tenfold increase, reported by This Is Money. In London alone, the number of Blue Badge thefts rocketed by 400% between 2014 and 2023. The victims are often those
who depend on these permits to attend medical appointments, purchase necessities, or maintain social independence. On Friday, the British Parking Association issued a warning, stating that
this misuse is "undermining the integrity of the scheme" and directly affecting the daily lives of vulnerable individuals. The association is now advocating for stricter
enforcement powers, including the implementation of penalties. Article continues below "The statistics around the level of Blue Badge misuse and fraud are shocking," said Alison
Tooze, policy officer at the BPA. "Perpetrators deprive genuine badge holders of their right to freedom while costing taxpayers millions each year. This must stop." National Blue
Badge, the enforcement squad teaming up with councils, has uncovered several Blue Badge scams, from stealing and faking badges for online sale to using permits from those who've passed
away. But it's the so-called "borrowing" of a family member's badge that's still the top misuse, often dismissed, but just as dangerous. "For every badge being
misused, a space is denied to someone who genuinely needs it," the BPA emphasised. "This could mean missing a doctor's appointment, being unable to work, or losing access to
vital community services." Come March 2023, England's got 2.57 million Blue Badge holders – that's about one in twenty people. The BPA told the Department for Transport to
have a look over the penalties for both civil and criminal offences and to increase council resources to curb this issue. A DFT spokesperson added: "Exploitation of the Blue Badge
scheme is completely unacceptable – it is a vital resource helping many people travel with confidence. Article continues below "We are working closely with local authorities and police
to strengthen enforcement and tackle fraud." _FOR THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND STORIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE FROM THE DAILY STAR, SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS._