Number of blue badges held in Bedford rises by nearly a fifth – amid claims a fifth could be fraudulent

Recent data indicates that the number of Blue Badge holders in Bedford has increased by approximately 1,000 over the past year, bringing the total to around 9,000. This rise is partly attributed to the 2019 expansion of eligibility criteria to include individuals with non-visible disabilities, such as Parkinson’s, dementia, and epilepsy. However, concerns have been raised about potential misuse of these badges. Paul Slowey, chief executive of the National Agency for Blue Badge Fraud Investigations, estimates that up to 20% of badges may be fraudulently held, though exact figures are uncertain due to a lack of recent prosecution data. The British Parking Association emphasizes the importance of protecting the scheme’s integrity, especially with the increasing number of badges in circulation. Bedford Borough Council is actively addressing this issue by investigating and prosecuting cases of Blue Badge fraud to ensure that parking privileges are reserved for those who genuinely need them.