
‘Fake Blue Badge’ case against councillor dropped
Maxine Smith, a Highland councillor accused of fabricating Blue Badges to allow her tour buses to park in restricted areas, had her case dropped by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). The trial was originally scheduled for May but was postponed due to legal reasons. Following a review of the available evidence, COPFS decided not to pursue the case at this time but emphasized that the case could be reopened if further evidence emerges. Smith, a long-serving councillor for the Cromarty ward, remains under potential scrutiny, highlighting ongoing concerns about the misuse of disabled parking permits.
The decision not to proceed has raised questions about the challenges in prosecuting cases involving Blue Badge fraud, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust evidence for such serious allegations. This case serves as a reminder of the legal complexities surrounding the enforcement of Blue Badge regulations and the ongoing efforts to protect the rights of disabled individuals against misuse of these vital permits. National Blue Badge continues to advocate for stricter controls and accountability to uphold the integrity of the Blue Badge system across the UK.