Public urged to get behind Blue Badge clampdown by reporting cheats
Greenwich’s local authority is continuing to crack down on parking fraud, with five successful prosecutions against Blue Badge misuse over the past year.
And they are encouraging residents to be ‘good citizens’ by reporting any misuse they come across or suspect.
The council said convictions highlight its commitment to ensuring fair and lawful use of parking privileges meant for residents with disabilities.
A resident from Eltham, Ahmet Colak, was convicted for Blue Badge misuse in May and later that month, bus driver Emmanuel George of Bellegrove Road, Welling, pleaded guilty to misusing a Blue Badge.
Mr George was found alone in his vehicle, parked in a designated disabled bay at Calderwood Street Car Park in Woolwich.
On the day of the offence, October 2 last year, a council civil enforcement officer found Mr George dressed in his bus driver’s uniform using a badge that belonged to a woman.
He was charged and fined £216, with additional costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £86.
Councillor Denise Hyland, cabinet member for finance, resources and social value said: “The misuse of Blue Badges is a serious offence that undermines the integrity of the scheme, which is designed to assist those with genuine disabilities.
“Misuse takes away essential parking privileges from those in need. That’s why we’re committed to protecting disabled residents’ rights by enforcing Blue Badge rules, including legal action against those who break those rules.
“We urge all residents to respect the scheme and report suspected fraud. Together, we can ensure fair and accessible community support for everyone.”
On June 19, Connal Toner of West Lawn, Chelmsford, Essex was fined for failing to respond to a statutory notice from the council. Mr Toner’s vehicle was found displaying a stolen Blue Badge in a permit holder’s bay in Banning Street, Greenwich. He was fined £80, with a victim surcharge of £32 and £120 in costs.
Alicia Allen of Hatfield House, Greenwich, pleaded guilty to failing to respond to a statutory notice from the council. Her vehicle was found displaying a cancelled Blue Badge in a pay and display bay in Greenwich High Road on October 7 last year. Ms Allen was fined £253, with a victim surcharge of £101 and costs of £200.
Miss Tanara Peters of Keightley Drive, Eltham, pleded guilty to displaying a stolen Blue Badge to avoid parking fees near her workplace after claiming to find it in a car park. Miss Peters was fined £80, with a victim surcharge of £32 and costs of £250.
A council spokesman said: “If you suspect someone of committing fraud, please call 0800 169 6975 or email fraud@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. Any information you give will be treated in confidence.”
Picture: Greenwich council