Blue Badge fraud and misuse

There are two main types of misuse; intentional misuse to deliberately avoid paying parking or congestion charges and unintentional misuse often because the driver, who may or may not be the blue badge holder, is unaware of the scheme rules. For example, 'just picking up some shopping' for the blue badge holder while they remain at home is not permitted.

Using your blue badge correctly

It is very important that the blue badge holder and/or the person responsible for displaying the badge is fully aware of the rules and knows how to use the badge properly. Full details about the blue badge scheme and the holder's rights and responsibilities are available in the Department for Transport's leaflet: The Blue Badge Scheme Rights and Responsibilities in England  

Preventing fraud and misuse  

Abuse of the blue badge scheme impacts heavily on genuine badge holders, who may be unable to park as a result. We take this matter very seriously and where possible, we will actively look to prosecute offenders.  Fraudulent applications or the misuse of a blue badge is a criminal offence, which could lead to a £5,000 fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment.   

How to report misuse

We have set up a hotline specifically for reporting blue badge scheme fraud and misuse. If you have reason to believe a badge is being misused, please call us on: 020 8313 4094 or report online.

Please provide as much information as you can, ie the vehicle registration number, the blue badge serial number and expiry date, where it has been used, when, how often and who you believe is misusing it, including a description of the person if possible, such as: young, old, male, female.