Blue badge misuse at ‘ridiculous’ levels

Blue Badge misuse in Middlesbrough has reached “ridiculous” levels, according to local councillor David Coupe. The national Blue Badge scheme allows disabled individuals to park closer to their destinations, but enforcement efforts show misuse is widespread. A recent “day of action” by Middlesbrough Council led to formal warnings for two offenders, though Councillor Coupe believes this is only scratching the surface.

An annual counter-fraud report presented by Veritau highlighted the need for more thorough checks, though limited resources restrict the scale of enforcement efforts. Veritau’s Jonathan Dodsworth acknowledged the issue, stressing that more could be done if resources allowed.

National Blue Badge supports increased efforts to combat misuse and protect the integrity of the scheme, ensuring that parking benefits are reserved for those who truly need them.