Major operation sees hundreds of vehicles inspected for Blue Badge parking fraud crackdown

Bath and North East Somerset Council has seized nine Blue Badges after carrying out hundreds of vehicle inspections during a nationwide crackdown on fraud.

The week-long operation saw Civil Enforcement Officers inspect 559 vehicles across the area as part of a joint campaign involving 57 councils across the UK.

The checks were designed to stop people abusing the disabled parking scheme and to protect spaces for motorists who genuinely need them.

Despite the confiscations, the council said most people were using their badges correctly. Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, praised the success of the campaign.

He said: "Blue Badges are a brilliant scheme, and we want to make sure it is not being abused. We have taken part in this campaign now for five years in a row to help protect Blue Badge holders and their parking bays by tackling misuse, which takes away parking and access to our places for those that really need it."

The council said officers worked alongside partner organisation OneWest during the enforcement operation, which finished last week.

Blue Badge fraud can include people using permits when the badge holder is not present, using badges belonging to someone who has died, or continuing to display expired permits.

Officials warned that this kind of misuse can prevent disabled people from accessing shops, services and public spaces.

Mr Hirst said it was encouraging that the majority of drivers were following the rules. "It's fantastic to see the vast majority of Blue Badges are being used correctly again this year," he said.

"Although misuse of badges is rare, it is, of course, something our Civil Enforcement Officers are out checking for every day, and a week of concentrated enforcement like this can really help make a difference and protect these spaces for those that really need it."

The Blue Badge scheme allows people with disabilities or health conditions to park closer to their destination, helping them carry out everyday tasks more easily.

In Bath and North East Somerset, badge holders can park for free all day in on-street pay and display bays. Badge holders can also use resident permit holder bays without charge.

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The council said protecting disabled parking spaces remains a priority throughout the year, not just during dedicated enforcement campaigns.

Authorities across the country took part in the coordinated operation to identify permits being used illegally and remove them from circulation.

While cases of fraud are relatively uncommon, the council said targeted enforcement helps uncover misuse that may otherwise go unnoticed during normal patrols.

The inspections uncovered several forms of abuse during the week of checks. One of the most common offences involved drivers using a badge when the registered holder was not travelling in the vehicle.

Officers also discovered badges belonging to deceased people were still being displayed. Expired permits were another issue identified during the operation.

The authority warned that this type of fraud undermines the purpose of the scheme and makes life harder for people who rely on accessible parking spaces.

By removing illegally used badges, authorities hope to ensure disabled motorists can continue to access the parking bays they need.

The council has encouraged residents to report suspected Blue Badge misuse and reminded drivers that badges should only be used in line with official rules. Further information about applying for a Blue Badge and accessible parking in the area is available through the council's website.