As part of the tough action by Haringey Council, two people have been penalised a total of £2,040 for misusing the permits.
In both cases, the Blue Badges had been reported lost or stolen by the original holders.
Cllr Seema Chandwani, Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequality and Resident Services, said:
Blue Badge holders deserve their independence just like anyone else. Misusing or stealing badges strips this away and prevents those in genuine need from accessing essential on-street parking. That’s why we worked closely with disabled residents to get tougher on Blue Badge misuse and remain committed to taking enforcement action against those who break the law.
These cases highlight our dedication to combating Blue Badge fraud and ensuring fair use of public resources. Fraudulent misuse undermines the system meant to support those in need and negatively impacts the community.
Our residents play a crucial role in implementing our policies, especially those that directly affect them. By working together, we will continue to ensure that residents are at the heart of all decision-making.
In the first case, an investigation was launched after three incidents were reported involving the same vehicle, which was parked in restricted locations across Haringey, displaying two different Blue Badges. One of the badges had previously been reported stolen by the registered holder.
The investigation revealed that the vehicle's registered keeper, lives in Nelson, Lancashire and was responsible for the offence. Despite multiple attempts by the council’s investigations team to contact the owner and establish who was using the vehicle during the incidents, they failed to respond.
As a result, the matter was heard in their absence, and they were fined £800, with a collection order issued by the court.
Another perpetrator was fined £1,240 after their vehicle was found displaying two different Blue Badges in restricted areas across Haringey. Both badges had been reported lost or stolen by the original holders.
The vehicle's registered keeper, residing in Holloway, initially claimed someone else had been driving the vehicle during the incidents. However, evidence compiled by the Haringey investigations team suggested otherwise.
The offender was then invited to attend an interview under caution but was found to have knowingly used the Blue Badges on three occasions to avoid parking fees. As a result they were summoned to appear before Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, where they pleaded guilty to three counts under section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
The council will continue to investigate all types of fraud including the misuse of Blue Badges, with offenders facing prosecution and the full force of the law. All successful prosecutions will result in perpetrators receiving criminal records, underscoring the seriousness of such offences.
