A warning of ‘dire consequences’ has been issued by Bexley following the conviction of two blue badge scam motorists at the end of last year.

In a bid to protect genuine blue badge users, the two fraudsters were found guilty of badge misuse at Bexleyheath Magistrates Court in November.

Councillor Richard Diment, Bexley's Cabinet Member for Places, said:

Blue Badge scheme abuse will not be tolerated in our borough as these latest prosecutions prove. We will continue with our measures to protect the integrity of the scheme and ensure that adequate parking spaces are available for our disabled residents and visitors, who need to park close to their destination. If you are not entitled to Blue Badge scheme benefits, we strongly urge you to think very carefully before displaying a badge, as you will face the same dire consequences if you get caught.”

Twenty-six prosecutions have taken place for similar Blue Badge misuse related offences in the borough during the last year.

Mr Albert Coveney of Wilmington Court Road, Dartford, was found guilty of displaying a badge that had been cancelled as lost.

Mr Coveney was fined £800 and ordered to pay costs of £400, investigation costs of £558.40 and a surcharge of £320, total £2,078.40.

Mrs Alexa Joyeux of Federation Road, Greenwich, was found guilty of two charges of failing to provide information relating to the identity of the driver after a suspected Blue Badge misuse incident occurred.

The case involved the display of a badge that had been cancelled after the holder had passed away. Mrs Joyeux was fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000, investigation costs of £1,460 and a surcharge of £264, total £3,384.

The Blue Badge scheme’s eligibility criteria confirms that only individuals who have a physical or non-physical disability affecting their mobility are eligible for a Blue Badge and can benefit from the parking concessions available under the scheme to help them park within a manageable distance.

Anyone who suspects that a Blue Badge is being used for the benefit of a person who is not the badge holder can report their concerns online