A local resident in Haringey has been convicted of fraud after displaying a Blue Badge that she was not entitled to use in a bid to avoid parking fees.
Having pleaded guilty, the resident was ordered to pay a total of £2104 and sentenced to 12 months community order, 15 days community activity as well as adhering to a tag which limits them to a curfew for two months.
Using the council’s award-winning technology which is used to check if a Blue Badge has been stolen, a council officer witnessed a Blue Badge being used multiple times. This resulted into an immediate penalty charge notice (PCN) as it was clear the Blue Badge had been used to avoid parking fees.
This badge was also being investigated by council officers who quickly gathered considerable evidence which led to the prosecution. The hearing took place at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.
Cllr Seema Chandwani, Cabinet Member for Resident Services & Tackling Inequality, said: “The misuse of Blue Badge fraud will not be tolerated in our borough. Legitimate owners of these badges deserve their eligible benefits, yet these rights are unjustly stripped away when badges are stolen.
“Whilst this is a huge inconvenience to their everyday lives, most importantly it robs them of their independence until a replacement badge is obtained. We have worked really closely with our disabled residents who have co-produced our Disabled Parking Enforcement Policy to help crack down on Blue Badge fraud in the borough and we will do everything we can to protect them.
“As shown with this case, legal action will be taken, and consequences will be given. We’re committed to minimising badge theft and implementing measures to prevent the misuse of Blue Badges. This marks another stride toward achieving a fairer Haringey.”
In 2023, a total of 244 Blue Badges were seized due to fraudulent use.
If you know of anyone misusing a Blue Badge or have been offered one for sale or rent, then you can contact the council anonymously on 020 8489 2102 or visit our website to fill out a form.
