Fraudulent use of Blue Badges offices take a tough line

'Fake Blue Badges seized in joint operation'

A coordinated campaign run during August and October to clamp down on the fraudulent use of Blue (disabled) Badges in the Borough resulted in nine badges being seized by the Police.

Of the 55 motorists spoken to during the 'sweeps', 23 were found to be misusing their Blue Badges. All were issued with £100 Penalty Charge Notices and given a stern word of warning. Nine badges were also seized by Police, of which two were later found to be forgeries.

A number of areas were targeted in Kingston Town Centre where misuse of Blue Badges was thought to be a problem, including: Fife Road, Memorial Square, the Market Place, Fassett Road, Grove Crescent and Grove Lane. Patrols were also carried out around Chessington.

The joint operation involving Kingston Police, Kingston Council and NCP Services - the company responsible for parking enforcement in the Borough - has proven to be such a success that further sweeps have now been planned for December and the New Year.



Hope that the further sweeps planned over the next couple of months will act as a deterrent to those who have knowingly misused Blue Badges in the past. We also have plans to extend these sweeps across the Borough in the future."

Police Sergeant Matt Smith of the Grove Safer Neighbourhood Team added: "It is good to see Parking Attendants and PCSOs working together to make use of new powers that allow them to inspect Blue Badges. The joint operation sends out a strong message to the criminal element who are using a number of methods to produce and sell these badges illegally.

"Police are also proactively following up leads with regard to blue badges that have been reported stolen. One arrest has already been made and more are expected. The support of the community in this matter is, of course, always appreciated. If you have any information that can assist please contact Kingston Police Station on 020 8547 1212 or ring Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."

Guidance on how Blue Badges should be used, along with maps locating Blue Badge parking facilities in Kingston, can be found at www.kingston.gov.uk/bluebadge.