The AA says up to one in five badges may be used by someone other than the holder
A record surge in Blue Badge ownership has sparked urgent calls from motoring experts for a nationwide crackdown on parking permit fraud.
New analysis of Department for Transport data reveals that one in 20 people in England now hold a permit, marking an all-time high of 3.07 million users. While these badges provide a vital lifeline for people with disabilities, the AA warns that as many as one in five permits may be used illegally by people who are not the authorised holders.
The sharp 8% increase in badge holders over the last year is largely driven by a 2019 policy change that expanded eligibility to include non-visible conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy.
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Consequently, more than two-fifths of badges issued in the most recent cycle were granted without a formal medical assessment.
Usage varies significantly across the country, with the North East recording the highest proportion of holders at 6.1%, while London maintains the lowest at 3.5%.
Permit holders enjoy significant benefits, including the ability to park for up to three hours on yellow lines and exemptions from the capital’s £18 daily congestion charge.
However, AA President Edmund King expressed deep concern over the rising levels of abuse, citing instances of counterfeit badges, the use of permits belonging to deceased relatives, and the resale of stolen badges.
He said: “The blue badge scheme is a mobility lifeline for millions of legitimate users and their families. Our concern is not the absolute number of badges issued but the estimates that up to one in five badges may be used by someone other than the holder or authorised user.”
Mr King added: “Fraud is an issue which can include family misuse, use after death, counterfeit badges and theft and resale of badges. We would welcome a crackdown on illegitimate use of badges to safeguard the deserving users.”
Local authorities have already begun escalating their enforcement efforts to combat these crimes.
Recent prosecutions in Croydon resulted in offenders paying nearly £6,000 in fines and costs, while councils in Oxfordshire and Gateshead have successfully convicted drivers for using permits belonging to others.
The Local Government Association has urged the public to report suspected misuse, noting that even though some disabilities are not immediately visible, the act of “lazy” or “fraudulent” parking is a criminal offense that deprives those with genuine needs of essential access.
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