Now police can crack down on ‘ blue badge’ parking scheme abuse

MOTORISTS who misuse ‘blue badge’ disabled parking permits face a crackdown after police were given powers to view the scheme’s national database.

From this week, officers will be able instantly to identify if a driver has the right to use a disabled space following a deal allowing them direct access to data held on the Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBIS).

Previously, police had to contact the local authority and ask it to check a number plate on the database – significantly slowing down the process.

But after reaching agreement with Scotland’s 32 local councils, they hope to nail fraudsters using blue badges that do not belong to them, or continuing to use badges after they no longer need them.

The move could also catch drivers claiming free parking to which they are not entitled.

Blue badges are issued by local authorities, based on a set of criteria, which allow those with mobility problems f r ee car parking and the right to use priority spaces in car parks.

But the scheme is regularly abused by motorists using a badge belonging to a relative – sometimes even when they are dead.

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said yesterday: ‘The blue badge scheme is an important resource for people who really need it. Those who abuse the scheme make life harder for people who need to have access to places such as medical centres and social facilities.

‘Abuse of the scheme can be as simple as a driver using a disabled relative’s badge or failing to return a badge when the user no longer needs it. Officers will now be able to verify instantly any blue badge issued in Scotland.

‘ We will be able to tackle those people who selfishly, and sometimes fraudulently, abuse the scheme.’

The move has been welcomed by disability campaigners and local authorities. Susan Grasekamp, chief executive of the Scottish Disability and Equality Forum, said: ‘We are delighted Police Scotland is taking the issue of blue badge misuse seriously.

‘ The access to t he BBIS database means the right people are able to use the badge and it is not open to abuse.’

Stephen Hagan of council umbrella body Cosla said: ‘We welcome the ability to better enforce the use of blue badges and to quickly address situations where they are being misused.’

But concerns were raised as to why the police did not already have access to the database.

Scottish Tory chief whip John Lamont said: ‘It is quite surprising Police Scotland did not have access before. This only goes to show the amount of red tape and bureaucracy within public sector organisations in Scotland.’

Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: ‘This is a fantastic tool that will help local authorities in their bid to tackle abuse of the blue badge scheme.’

In 2012, Glasgow city councillor Sohan Singh was suspended by the Labour Party when he was caught parking his Mercedes in a disabled bay. The millionaire used a relative’s blue badge to attend a meeting of the fire board in Hamilton, Lanarkshire.

‘We will tackle these people’