Cheshire West and Chester Council is clamping down on people who abuse the use of Blue Badges.

The Blue Badge scheme provides an essential service for disabled people across Cheshire West.

It allows access to parking bays which are normally closer to work, shops and other community services, helping people with mobility problems to live their lives as fully as they can.

Although the majority of Blue Badge holders are legitimate, a minority abuse the system and use a badge illegally.

Teams of officers from the Council’s Regulatory Services Team will be out and about in Chester city centre this week focusing on all the city centre car parks and places with on-street disabled parking looking for those who misuse or illegally hold blue badges.

These dedicated fraud investigation officers will be able to inspect and seize badges that are not valid, because they have expired, been altered or are being used by someone other than the disabled holder.

The campaign is supported by the charity DIAL West Cheshire (also known as DIAL House) which provides local services for disabled people and by the Chester Accessibility Action Group (CAAG).

Vice-Chair of CAAG Dr Neville Thompson said: “All our members are delighted that the Council has decided to take action against people who abuse the Blue Badge Scheme.

“Parking in a designated disabled space illegally, even for a few minutes, has a significant knock-on effect for the legitimate Blue Badge holders who are unable to find a suitable parking space.

“Normal everyday tasks such as going to the shops, attending a doctor’s appointment or even going to work, things that most people take for granted can, become impossible due to lack of access. It is thoughtless and selfish.”

Local ward member councillor Samantha Dixon said: “We take fraudulent use of Blue Badges very seriously. Misuse of the badges is socially unacceptable. It deprives people with a genuine need of access to parking and limits their independence.

“Our aim is to get out on the streets and engage with all disabled badge holders, explaining what we are doing, and why. We must stamp out Blue Badge misuse.”

There are some simple rules for Blue Badge users:

  • Never use someone else’s badge, even if you are running an errand for them;
  • Never lend your badge to someone else. You will get them into trouble;
  • Never buy a badge in the pub or on the internet. It’s not ‘free parking’ - it’s illegal. Never photocopy a badge or make a fake badge - even to copy of your own badge is forgery. It’s called fraud and will lead to a criminal record.

The campaign is initially focussing on Chester city centre but will eventually be rolled out borough-wide. Please report any instances of suspected abuse by calling 0300 123 7040.