Council out to curb blue badge fraudsters » Communities » 24dash.com

Newham Council has warned people who abuse the disabled blue badge parking system that they face heavy fines and a criminal record.

Blue Badges are provided to older and disabled people to allow them to park near amenities, but the system is often abused.

Councillor Andrew Baikie, Cabinet member for public protection, said: "People who abuse the Blue Badge system deprive genuine users of the parking spaces that are reserved for them.

"There are more than 7,000 Blue Badge holders in Newham and most of them use the badges correctly. We will continue in our efforts to catch and prosecute those who abuse the system."

In recent months the council has successfully prosecuted a number of people for Blue Badge fraud.

In July a 58-year-old East Ham man was fined £225 at Stratford Magistrates' Court after he admitted using a counterfeit disabled person's Blue Badge contrary to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, and possessing articles for use in fraud contrary to the Fraud Act 2006. His 30-year-old son was fined £300 after he admitted supplying a counterfeit blue badge for use in fraud, contrary to the Fraud Act 2006.

The court heard the badge was displayed in a Volkswagen car in Michigan Avenue, Manor Park, last November. Redbridge Council had allegedly issued it, but enquiries confirmed they had not done so.

When questioned the father said he gave £150 and a photograph to his son who told him he could get a badge without the need for relevant documents.

Also in July a 55-year-old man from Manor Park was given a conditional discharge for 12 months after he admitted possessing articles for use in fraud.

Stratford Court heard the disabled Blue Badge seen in his car last September had been issued to a woman not related to him. During interview he said his son had found the badge.

Again in July a 56-year-old Ilford woman received a 12-month conditional discharge after she admitted fraud by false representation and possessing articles for use in fraud.

Stratford Court heard her Mercedes parked in Waghorn Road, Upton Park, in July last year displayed a badge that had been reported stolen. She said she bought it for £10 from a woman while shopping in Ilford.

In June a 55-year-old woman from the Isle of Dogs admitted fraud by false representation and possessing articles for use in fraud. She was fined £300.

Stratford Court heard her Nissan parked in Rochester Avenue, Upton Park, in May last year displayed a badge with a photograph that bore no resemblance to her. The badge had been reported stolen. The woman said a friend had given it to her.

Councillor Baikie added: "We will continue to protect the rights of older and disabled people by running covert monitoring operations to catch the cheats and we will always look to prosecute offenders.