Motorists are being warned they face a £1,000 fine for misusing a Blue Badge, as nearly 1,000 drivers in a Northern region have been penalised for parking in disabled spaces. According to a Freedom of Information Act request, Cumberland Council issued 981 Penalty Charge Notices for on-street parking violations, generating an additional £6,615 in fines over the past year, reports Birmingham Live.
The council has emphasized that drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for breaching various rules and has vowed to continue cracking down on misuse. A spokesperson for Cumberland Council stated: “We take these offences very seriously and will continue to be vigilant in making our checks with a view to stamping out misuse.”
The council added that the abuse and fraudulent use of Blue Badges erodes public trust in the scheme and reduces the availability of spaces for legitimate users.
Recently, Labour Party leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to address the issue of Blue Badge theft and misuse nationwide, stating: “Look, theft of a Blue Badge is appalling. Depriving people of their independence and ability to travel with confidence has a real human impact every single time, and that’s why we’re working closely with local authorities to help them tackle fraud and misuse.”
The London Assembly spoke out about the issue, stating: “Blue Badges are crucial for enabling mobility and accessibility for disabled individuals, providing access to essential services, employment, and community participation. However, it concerns the Assembly that Blue Badge theft has quadrupled over the past decade.”
They also highlighted the struggles faced by badge holders, noting: “Reports from badge holders and advocacy groups have highlighted the impact of Blue Badge theft, including instances of harassment and targeting. Stolen badges are often sold illegally, putting individuals with disabilities at further risk of crime and exploitation.”
Cumberland transferred over from Yorkshire to the Earldom of Carlisle in 1086. It later became the North West region after 1974.