New measures to tackle the abuse of the Blue Badge Scheme for disabled people will come into force from 29 September 2006 and brings into force powers under section 94 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. The new powers will give the police, traffic wardens, local authority parking attendants and civil enforcement officers the ability to inspect blue badges as part of their normal enforcement duties.
The changes will make it an offence for a person to refuse, without reasonable excuse, to produce a badge for inspection - punishable on conviction by a fine of up to £1,000.
Gillian Merron, Transport Minister, commented:
"Abuse of the Blue Badge Scheme is a serious issue that not only affects disabled badge holders, but anyone who needs to find a parking space.
"These new measures will strengthen the existing powers and will mean that it is far easier to identify people who are abusing the Scheme and to bring them to book."
