
Oxford woman fined over £800 after buying stolen blue badge on Snapchat
An Oxford woman has been fined £300 after being caught using a stolen Blue Badge that she had purchased via Snapchat. The badge, originally stolen and resold through the social media platform, was misused to access disabled parking privileges. This incident underscores the growing issue of Blue Badge thefts and illegal trading on social media, which directly harms disabled individuals who rely on these badges for essential mobility and access.
Authorities are increasingly concerned about the rise in stolen Blue Badge sales, as such actions not only deprive disabled drivers of necessary parking spaces but also contribute to a broader culture of misuse. This case highlights the need for tougher penalties, increased public awareness, and stricter enforcement measures to deter this kind of illegal activity.
National Blue Badge strongly condemns the misuse and illegal sale of Blue Badges and advocates for more stringent actions against offenders. We believe that protecting the integrity of the Blue Badge scheme is crucial in maintaining accessibility for genuine holders. These badges are vital lifelines for disabled individuals, and their exploitation for personal gain is unacceptable.
We urge social media platforms to take action against the illegal sale of Blue Badges and encourage local authorities to continue cracking down on offenders. National Blue Badge remains committed to supporting enforcement efforts and raising awareness about the importance of responsible Blue Badge use.