Blue Badge parking crackdown sees drivers slapped with hefty fines and vehicles seized

Drivers have been fined and had their cars towed as part of enforcement action against drivers who are misusing Blue Badges to break parking rules.

As part of National Blue Badge Week of Action 2026, between May 11 and 15, Nottingham City Council officers targeted vehicles taking advantage of parking rules.

The week aims to raise public awareness about the effect that Blue Badge misuse has on disabled people who benefit from using certain parking spaces.

In total, council officials handed out 23 penalty charge notices for drivers misusing Blue Badges across the city.

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A further 132 PCNs were issued to vehicles parked in disabled bays without a valid Blue Badge, which has become a greater issue in recent years.

Officials also opened 21 enforcement cases, issued 16 warnings, interviewed eight motorists and removed two vehicles from the road.

Concerningly, 12 Blue Badges were seized by officials over a range of issues, including cancelled permits, expired badges, and even a fake badge.

Two drivers were unable to produce their Blue Badge when requested by officials, prompting a number of investigations to be opened against motorists.

Civil enforcement staff from the council targeted patrols in known misuse hotspots and increased enforcement in off-street car parks.

Further action was taken in partnership with NHS partners at the Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital, and the University of Nottingham.

Councillor Patience Ifediora, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, condemned those taking advantage of the Blue Badge scheme.

She added: "Blue Badge misuse directly affects disabled people - some of our most vulnerable residents - who rely on accessible parking in the city.

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"When badges are used fraudulently or by those not entitled, it reduces the availability of accessible parking spaces for those who genuinely need them.

"This can lead to increased stress, reduced independence and missed appointments or opportunities for disabled people."

The Labour councillor for Aspley Ward said enforcement teams across the region were working in a "fair and proportionate way" to tackle the issue.

Transport Nottingham highlighted how using a Blue Badge that they are not entitled to is a criminal offence and can lead to a prosecution or the withdrawal of the permit.

Across the 2025/26 financial year, 926 cases of Blue Badge fraud were recorded across Nottingham, based on the Department for Transport's definition of the act.

Of these, 95 were cancelled, 419 had expired, and a staggering 42 were fake, leading to 822 penalties being issued and 21 vehicles being towed away.

Officers across Nottingham use education and engagement as much as possible to remind drivers of proper Blue Badge rules.

"Ensuring the integrity of the scheme is therefore not only a matter of enforcement but also of equity, accessibility and dignity for legitimate badge holders. We make no apology for holding those to account who misuse blue badges in our city," Councillor Ifediora concluded.

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