Blue Badge fraud crackdown: driver convicted for misuse of badge

The case was convicted at Luton Magistrates’ Court this week (9 January) for misuse of a blue badge parking permit. The driver was spotted by officers from Central Bedfordshire Council in Ashton Square Car Park during an enforcement exercise in May 2023.

David Maggs from Milton Road in Clapham was found using his wife’s Blue Badge while she was not present. He claimed he was using the badge to undertake shopping for the Blue Badge holder.

Councillor John Baker, Executive Member for Finance, said: “Residents have told us that parking enforcement should be a priority, and the council’s new administration has listened. There will be further clamp downs on Blue Badge fraud.

“The rules are clear: the Blue Badge is intended solely for the use and advantage of the assigned holder. It should only be displayed if they are present in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or if someone is picking them up or dropping them off and requires parking at that location.

“If we find people using these badges inappropriately, we will take action. Misuse of a Blue Badge could result in legal consequences, potentially leading to a criminal conviction and a fine of up to £1,000, alongside badge confiscation. It also unfairly deprives genuine users of parking spaces they genuinely require.”

If you suspect someone of illegally using a Blue Badge, you can report them to the council by calling 0300 300 4154 or by emailing car.badges@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.