District council praised for blue badge campaign

Civil Enforcement Officers at Wyre Forest District Council have completed a week-long operation as part of a county-wide crackdown on the misuse of disabled blue badge permits within the district.

With an estimated three million blue badges issued in England and Wales and close to 10,000 badges issued in Worcestershire alone, demand for parking in disabled bays is high.

Between 23 and 29 October the council’s team inspected a total of 103 badges displayed by drivers parking in the district council’s car parks and at busy on-street parking bays in the towns of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley.

The majority of permits inspected were being used properly, however officers discovered six (5.8%) blue badges being misused and one was seized for being out of date. All blue badge holders were given relevant advice on the correct use of their badges.  

Cabinet Member for Operational Services Councillor Rebecca Vale said: “This campaign has been a real success and was well received by members of the public. Our officers received many complimentary comments from blue badge holders who were delighted that Wyre Forest District Council was checking permits for misuse.

“Blue badge misuse is a serious offence which can result in a maximum fine of £1,000, as well as withdrawal of the badge. It is important that disabled parking spaces are reserved for those who genuinely need them most.”