Blue Badge scheme abuse has resulted in the convictions of five more motorists for offences relating to the display of cancelled badges.
The council continues with its campaign to protect the Blue Badge scheme for genuine users. Fines and costs totalling £3,657 have been issued to the offenders.
In three of the cases, the drivers were guilty of displaying cancelled Blue Badges, two had been reported as stolen, and one had been used after the badge holder had passed away.
The two other offenders were vehicle owners who were prosecuted under section 17 of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1972 for failing to provide information relating to the identification of a driver after a suspected Blue Badge misuse incident. One of these cases involved the display of a stolen badge and the other involved the display of a badge that had been cancelled when reported as damaged.
In all cases, the cancelled badges were used so that the drivers could take advantage of parking concessions they would not have been entitled to.
Only individuals who have a physical or non-physical disability affecting their mobility are eligible for a Blue Badge to help them park within a manageable distance of their destination.
Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement, said: “These latest prosecutions demonstrate once again that Blue Badge scheme abuse will not be tolerated in our borough. It’s vitally important that there are adequate parking spaces for our disabled residents and visitors and that they can park close to their destination. We will continue with our measures to protect the scheme. If you are not entitled to Blue Badge benefits, our strong message is don’t display a Blue Badge or you will risk being prosecuted.”
Mr Dario Fortunato of New Road, Feltham, displayed a stolen Blue Badge. Ms Emine Piro of Westerham Road, Keston, also displayed a stolen Blue Badge on two separate occasions.
Mr Gursel Zaimoglu of Brockley Grove, Lewisham, used a Blue Badge to park after the holder had passed away.
Mr Felix Ofayoku of Canal Walk, Croydon, and Mr Darren Dixon of Neville Close, Waltham Forest, were guilty of failing to provide information relating to the identification of the person driving their vehicle when a suspected misuse incident occurred. In the case associated with Mr Ofayoku, a Blue Badge that had been cancelled when reported as damaged was displayed and a stolen badge was displayed in the case associated with Mr Dixon.
The Blue Badges associated with all five offences were issued by authorities outside of the London Borough of Bromley and only one of the cases involved a Bromley resident. Seventy-five prosecutions have taken place for similar Blue Badge misuse related offences in Bromley during the last year. Full details about the Blue Badge scheme rules and avoiding misuse are available on our website.
A Blue Badge must be returned to the issuing authority shown on the front of the badge in any of the following circumstances; the badge has expired, the holder’s medical condition/mobility improves and they are no longer eligible, a replacement has been issued for a lost or stolen badge and the original is found, the badge is damaged or illegible, the holder no longer needs the badge because they are confined to the house, or the holder has passed away.
Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence which can lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. 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 at: www.bromley.gov.uk/reportbluebadge.
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Editor’s notes:
- Mr Felix Ofayoku of Canal Walk, Croydon, was proved guilty. When the case was heard at Bexley Magistrates Court on 20/11/23, he was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £352 and a surcharge of £88 - total £660.
- Mr Gursel Zaimoglu of Brockley Grove, Lewisham, pleaded guilty. When the case was heard at Bexley Magistrates Court on 28/11/23, he was fined £92 and ordered to pay costs of £423 and a surcharge of £37 - total £552.
- Mr Darren Dixon of Neville Close, Waltham Forest, was proved guilty of two offences. When the case was heard at Bexley Magistrates Court on 06/12/23, he was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £423 and a surcharge of £88 - total £731.
- Mr Dario Fortunato of New Road, Feltham, was proved guilty. When the case was heard at Bexley Magistrates Court on 06/12/23, he was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £423 and a surcharge of £88 - total £731.
- Ms Emine Piro of Westerham Road, Keston, pleaded guilty to two offences. When the case was heard at Bexley Magistrates Court on 06/12/23, she was fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £423 and a surcharge of £160 - total £983.
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7872 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.