Croydon Council is leading a crackdown on Blue Badge fraud across the borough.
Misusing Blue Badges, such as using stolen, counterfeit, cancelled, or badges belonging to a deceased person, is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated in Croydon.
The Council-led crackdown will see people caught misusing a Blue Badge fined and, in some cases, taken to court if they do not surrender the badge. The first court dates are expected to take place later this summer.
Tow trucks will be deployed to remove vehicles and retrieve badges that are used incorrectly. Owners of towed vehicles will be able to retrieve their vehicle after paying a fine and handing over the badge.
Blue Badges provide essential support for genuine badge holders, making it easier for them to visit shops, meet friends and family, and attend medical appointments.
Fraudulent misuse of a Blue Badge takes away valuable parking spaces from those who truly need them – making the lives of those with mobility issues much harder.
The crackdown supports the Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s, priority in targeting antisocial behaviour and helping genuine Blue Badge users to lead independent lives. It will also free up more parking spaces for those that need them.
“Like many London councils, we believe we have a large number of Blue Badges being fraudulently used.
“Someone using a Blue Badge when they are not eligible is so unfair on those who depend on them and really makes lives more difficult.
“Residents have told me they are concerned about this problem, which is why we are taking action to tackle it. Anyone misusing a Blue Badge in Croydon should prepare for their vehicle to be towed and to be called to court for the crime.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Blue Badges should only be displayed if the holder is travelling in the vehicle, or if someone is collecting the badge holder or dropping them off and needs to park.
Not all disabilities are visible. If you see someone you think may be misusing a badge, please do not confront them, instead contact the Council on the Love Clean Streets app.
Find out more about applying for a Blue Badge on the government’s website.
