Cambridgeshire drivers warned following 'Blue Badge' court case

Motorists are being reminded that misusing blue badges can result in them facing heavy fines, following a recent prosecution.

A 30-year-old man from Cambridge was ordered to pay fines and costs of almost £500 after pleading guilty to displaying a stolen blue badge in his vehicle in Chesterton Road in November 2019.

He also admitted possessing the badge for five months and using it to park wherever he wanted.

The man had initially claimed that the blue badge belonged to his grandfather and that he was running errands for him.

However, he later admitted that the blue badge was in the car when he purchased it from a third party.

The man was sentenced at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court in October, following a prosecution led by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Counter Fraud Team.

The team are keen to remind motorists that they will always look to take action against Blue Badge misuse in the county.

Councillor Steve Count, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council said: “Blue Badges are vitally important as they help people with disabilities or health conditions with their parking needs.

"This case shows that we take Blue Badge misuse seriously and will not tolerate such offences in Cambridgeshire.

“If you have concerns regarding the misuse of a Blue Badge, you should get as much detail as possible and report the misuse here: https://cambridgeshire-self.achieveservice.com/service/Blue_Badge_Misuse

“The council will then investigate the matter and take appropriate action if necessary.”

For more information about the Blue Badge scheme and to check whether you are eligible visit the county council website.