West London council employee caught using mums’ Blue Badge to dodge parking fees

A Hammersmith and Fulham Council employee has been dismissed after being caught using his mother’s Blue Badge to avoid parking fees. Acting on a tip-off, council officers set up an operation and intercepted the staff member as he returned to his vehicle. Upon confrontation, he admitted to improperly displaying the badge, acknowledging that it exempted him from parking fees despite not being the legitimate holder. Following a disciplinary hearing, the employee was dismissed from his position.

This incident is part of a broader initiative by Hammersmith and Fulham Council to combat fraud. Between April 1 and September 30, the council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Service (CAFS) closed 361 investigations, resulting in 40 positive outcomes and saving the council over £400,000.

The misuse of Blue Badges undermines the integrity of the scheme, which is designed to assist individuals with significant mobility issues by providing them with accessible parking options. Such fraudulent activities not only deprive genuine badge holders of necessary accommodations but also result in financial losses for local authorities.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council remain committed to enforcing regulations against Blue Badge misuse and taking appropriate disciplinary actions to uphold the scheme’s integrity.