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Fake disabled parking badges to be seized

Traffic wardens will be able to seize disabled parking permits from drivers misusing them, under a revamp of the Blue Badge scheme announced by the government.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 00:55 October 21, 2008
  • Gulf News

London: Traffic wardens will be able to seize disabled parking permits from drivers misusing them, under a revamp of the Blue Badge scheme announced by the government.

The badges have become increasingly prized as councils have expanded parking restrictions across the country, leading to permits illegally changing hands for as much as 1,500 pounds each, the government says.

As many as one in 200 of the permits are stolen every year, councils say. Many are photocopied on colour scanners while more low-level abuse occurs when friends and family of disabled drivers "borrow" the badges.

"Two thirds of councils tell us abuse of the scheme is a major issue," Transport Minister Paul Clark said on Sunday.

"It is time to get tough and stop Blue Badge abuse and vehicle crime."

At present only police can seize permits and it is hard for enforcement officers in one part of the country to check whether a badge issued elsewhere is legitimate.

The number of badges has risen dramatically since their introduction in 1971 to help disabled people become more mobile.

There are now 2.3 million permits in issue, compared to fewer than 700,000 some 20 years ago. Many are issued on the approval of family doctors.

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