Dudley Council is warning blue badge fraudsters of the serious penalties given for misusing the scheme.

The Blue Badge Scheme is for people with severe mobility problems caused by visible and non-visible (hidden) disabilities and provides a national range of on-street parking concessions to badge holders.

Some people misuse the scheme by using a badge a badge that doesn’t belong to them and the local authority has successfully brought court action against 100 individuals over the last 18 months.

People are reminded that they cannot use a family member’s blue badge to carry out tasks on their behalf, such as shopping. The badge is to enable the badge holder to access the community.

Dudley Council is continuing to work with a partnership organisation to enforce correct use of the parking scheme. Councillor Natalie Neale, cabinet member for adult social care, said:

"The blue badge is a lifeline to some of our most vulnerable residents and it’s vital that we maintain this service for the people who truly need it.

"Sadly, some motorists selfishly flout the rules, and we continue our work with Blue Badge Fraud Investigations, which specialises in the investigation and case preparation against those who commit blue badge fraud.

"We would like to remind residents and motorists that not all disabilities are visible and there can be lots of legitimate reasons why people are blue badge holders."

People who suspect that a badge is being used fraudulently can call 01384 814242 or report via dudley.gov.uk/fraud.