Two individuals who pleaded guilty to misusing Blue Badges have been prosecuted by Bedford Borough Council and ordered to pay over £1,000 in fines, costs and victim surcharges.
Many people with disabilities rely on the Blue Badge scheme to park closer to their destination, however it is against the law to use a badge unless the badge holder is in the vehicle or is being used to pick up or drop off the holder.
On 22 October, Rasheena Kalyan of Ampthill Road, Bedford pleaded guilty to misusing a Blue Badge after using her father-in-law’s badge to park on Mill Street while taking equipment to her nearby beauty salon.
Ms. Kalyan was ordered to pay a fine of £250, costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £32.
David Maddox of St Cuthbert’s Court, Newnham Road was also prosecuted in October for illegally using his brother’s Blue Badge to park in St Loyes Street.
Mr. Maddox claimed that his brother had been with him at the time of the violation, however CCTV footage and bus pass usage information proved that this was not the case.
After eventually pleading guilty, Mr. Maddox was ordered to pay a fine of £120, costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £32.
Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said, “Blue Badge misuse takes parking spaces away from people who need them, which is unacceptable.
“Our Enforcement Officers check blue badges around Bedford Borough every day to ensure that those using them do so legitimately.
“The council will take action against those suspected of misusing a Blue Badge, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal conviction.”
Blue Badge misuse can be reported by contacting to Bedford Borough Council via the website and the Customer Service Centre via email customerservices@bedford.gov.uk, or by calling 01234 267422.