Overview

• New figures reveal Blue Badge misuse in England has risen from hundreds of cases in 2016 to over 3,500 reported incidents in 2023, a 1000% increase.
• The British Parking Association (BPA) is urging the government to strengthen enforcement powers and penalties to address the growing fraud problem.
• Common abuses include theft, counterfeit badge production, use of deceased individuals' permits, and casual borrowing, all of which deny genuine users access to essential parking spaces.
• A Department for Transport spokesperson reiterated support for police and local councils to combat misuse, emphasizing the scheme's importance for disabled individuals' mobility and independence.
• Northern Ireland will implement new regulations on May 22, introducing unlimited-waiting accessible parking bays across multiple locations to improve infrastructure for Blue Badge holders.