Christmas warning issued to drivers over disabled parking spaces

Drivers have been issued with a disabled parking space warning as thousands could be at risk of fines this Christmas. Any driver using a Blue Badge without being entitled to could be hit with a £1,000 fine.

Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination.

The scheme also gives access to disabled bays and permission to park on yellow lines.

But some motorists have been caught taking advantage of the scheme. And, it’s particularly important to pay attention to parking rules around Christmas. 

A recent study by Comparethemarket has revealed that between 2019 and 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions for drivers illegally using a Blue Badge and another 171 offences committed by the Blue Badge holder themselves.

READ MORE: Maximum driving age is ‘unacceptable’ and ‘targets the elderly’

Based on a survey of 2,000 British motorists, the research revealed that 17- to 24-year-olds are most likely to illegally use a friend or family member’s Blue Badge (31 percent) and more than one in 10 have forged or used a stolen Blue Badge.

The survey also revealed that motorists aged 55+ are least likely to misuse a Blue Badge, with 94 percent claiming they have never illegally used a family or friend’s Blue Badge.

Anna McEntee, director at Comparethemarket, says: “Drivers need to be aware of the rules around Blue Badges and think twice when it comes to illegally misusing one.

“Figures show that from 2019 to 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions of non-badge holders illegally using another person’s Blue Badge.

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Symptoms/effects of your condition/disability and;

• Explain the need for the Blue Badge in line with the criteria for Hidden Disabilities. Drivers will need to confirm if they experience any psychological distress whilst walking or are at risk of harm to themselves or others whilst walking.
• Provide a list of possible coping strategies which they have tried out, to help manage their condition, and why these are not effective.
• Supporting evidence includes letters from a GP, consultant or another health professional (such as a psychiatrist, physiotherapist, or neurologist) and school or SENCO reports.