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Barnet Council crackdown on Blue Badge fraud (20 June 2016)
Date: 20/06/2016
Barnet Council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT) have seized six Blue Badges, after carrying out spot checks on a total of 66 displayed badges, which entitle disabled drivers to free parking.
The initiative on Monday 13 June was carried out on parked cars in Chipping Barnet and Golders Green, northwest London.
Barnet Council fraud officers found that, out of drivers using the badges without the permit holder being present, two Blue Badges were being used by drivers after the holder of the badge had died. Motorists caught during the operation could now face prosecution.
CAFT officers carrying out the spot checks were joined by police officers and a civil enforcement officer. A total of five parking penalty charge notices were issued during the operation.
As a result of the operation, CAFT officers are now investigating ten new cases of Blue Badge fraud.
Blue Badges can only be used by the named badge holder, or by a person who has dropped off or is collecting the badge holder from the place where the vehicle is parked.
It is a criminal offence for anyone else to use a Blue Badge in any other circumstances.
Since January this year, CAFT officers have carried out 59 Blue Badge investigations.
Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, said:
“By using a Blue Badge fraudulently, motorists are denying someone in genuine need of a parking space.
“It’s not acceptable for anybody who isn’t the badge holder to use the permit without that person being present.
“Anyone caught misusing one of these badges can ultimately face prosecution – and I hope this operation sends out a very clear message to anyone who might be considering parking with a badge they shouldn’t be using.”
Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving fraud, including Blue Badge fraud, benefit fraud, housing fraud, ID fraud or immigration fraud.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews under caution with the police, council fraud investigators and the DWP.
For expert legal advice on all fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitorson 0333 772 0409.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.