Since October 2013, enforcement officers have been able to inspect and retain Blue Badges without police presence.
This is under the assumption that they could be either fake, cancelled, or being misused.
Drivers can face fines of up to £1,000 under the Road Traffic Regulation Act or higher penalties under the Fraud Act 2006.
Misinformation around disability benefits and “free cars” needs addressing urgently. Here are the clear facts: a thread
Blue Badges
•Blue badges DO NOT mean a free car.
•A car displaying a blue badge is not necessarily a Motability car.continued…
— Peter
(@MePeterNicholls) March 24, 2025
If an applicant makes a fraudulent application, they can be fined up to £5,000 and sentenced to up to 12 months’ imprisonment under Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
The Blue Badge Digital Service explains: “Local authorities are strongly encouraged to implement a robust identity management system to help reduce fraud and abuse of the scheme.
“In-person collection of the Blue Badge offers considerable anti-fraud benefits over the more common practice of posting a badge out to successful applicants.
“Abuse can occur at all points in the system, whether at the point of the initial application, through requests for replacements, to on-street usage.
“For this reason, it is vital that both issuing teams and parking enforcement teams are alert to criminal or fraudulent behaviour and attempt to prevent fraud and abuse before it happens.”
Recommended reading:
What is a Blue Badge?
Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination.
The badges usually last up to three years, at which point you need to reapply before your current one expires.
To apply, you will need a digital photo of your head and shoulders, as well as a photo or copy of a proof of identity, such as a passport, driving license or birth certificate.
