By Joshua Robinson – 

People in Kirklees, who have a Blue Badge which is no longer required, are being asked to return them as soon as possible to help prevent Blue Badge fraud alongside the launch of a new Blue Badge Reporting Portal to make reporting misuses easier.

What is a Blue Badge for?

The Blue Badge scheme is a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems and certain other disabilities, including hidden disabilities. The scheme is open to all eligible disabled people travelling as drivers or passengers. It’s designed to help users undertake journeys that are otherwise impossible.

When can a Blue Badge be used?

A Blue Badge can only be used in a vehicle when it is used to transport the badge holder. It must be visible from outside the car upon parking, and with the clock displayed if parking on double yellow lines or in a time-restricted area.

Under no circumstances should it be used if the respective badge holder is not travelling in the vehicle.

Why is Blue Badge misuse a problem?

The misuse of Blue Badges harms people who need to use them legitimately and prevents them from accessing services, facilities, and shops.

What is Blue Badge misuse?

There are several ways a Blue Badge can be used fraudulently or misused:

• Using a Blue Badge that is no longer valid.
• Use of a valid Blue Badge by a non-badge holder.
• Using a Blue Badge that has been reported as lost or stolen.
• Using a forged, copied, or amended Blue Badge.
• Use of a Blue Badge that is obtained through the submission of false or misleading information on the application.
• Using an expired badge.

What happens if someone misuses a Blue Badge?

Misuse of the badge is an offence under Section 117 of the Road Traffic Act, with the maximum fine on conviction being £1,000, in addition to any parking fine.

Conviction of said misuse may also result in a criminal record. This could lead to loss of employment and travel implications.

Where an investigation reveals that the misuse of a Blue Badge appears to have occurred due to a mistake, the badge holder will be provided with details of the correct use, and other sanctions will be considered if appropriate.

How can residents help prevent Blue Badge misuse?

To help combat Blue Badge misuse, residents with a still-in-date badge but no longer needed should return it as soon as possible, stating the reason for its return. In cases where the Blue Badge holder has passed away, it is the responsibility of the next of kin to return the badge.

The addresses for returning a Blue Badge can be found on the Kirklees Council website.

Expired Blue Badges should not be returned but cut up and disposed of responsibly.

Blue Badge Misuse should be reported using the council’s new online form. This only takes around five minutes and can be done anonymously.

Councillor Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said: “We take Blue Badge misuse seriously and our teams are working hard to put a stop to it. Our new Blue Badge Reporting Portal enables members of the public to anonymously report suspected Blue Badge misuse so that we can take further action.”

“Abuse of the scheme by those who are not entitled to its concessions can undermine the credibility of the scheme. It can also impact the mobility of disabled people, who have a genuine need and are unable to make use of parking spaces, which are being used illegally.”

More information

For more information on using a Blue Badge, please visit the council’s website.