Cars towed away in Blue Badge misuse crackdown

Nottingham City Council said it made "no apology" for holding people to account following a crackdown on Blue Badge misuse in the city.

Two cars were towed away, 132 penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued to drivers parked in disabled bays, and 23 for Blue Badge misuse during a week of action.

National Blue Badge, which organised the initiative, said "misuse and fraud" was on the increase, adding they had a major impact on genuine Blue Badge holders.

Patience Ifediora, executive member for regional development, growth and transport at the council, said: "We make no apology for holding those to account who misuse Blue Badges in our city."

Ifediora added: "Blue Badge misuse directly affects disabled people - some of our most vulnerable residents - who rely on accessible parking in the city.

"When badges are used fraudulently or by those not entitled, it reduces the availability of accessible parking spaces for those who genuinely need them.

"This can lead to increased stress, reduced independence and missed appointments or opportunities for disabled people."

Blue Badges provide disabled people with access to specially-adapted designated parking bays.

The Labour-run authority said from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, there were 926 cases of Department for Transport-defined Blue Badge misuse.

It said 822 PCNs were issued, 21 vehicles were towed away and more than 400 motorists were questioned, of whom 48 were prosecuted.

The council added 126 received formal warnings and 109 cautions were issued.

In the 2024-25 financial year, the city council said there were 681 cases of Department for Transport-defined Blue Badge misuse recorded in Nottingham.

It said in 2024-25, 631 PCNs were issued, 19 vehicles were towed away and 560 motorists were questioned, of whom 18 were prosecuted, 210 received formal warnings and 77 cautions were issued.

National Blue Badge, which works in partnership with local authorities to support effective management of Blue Badge misuse, organised the action between 11 and 15 May.

A spokesperson said: "There is a clear link between the use of the badge and the concession it provides for free parking rights, particularly in on-street locations.

"Parking tariffs tend to rise, money is already tight in UK households and the temptation to misuse a badge increases.

"The impact this has on genuine badge holders is tremendous, it increases their travel anxiety as space is taken by non-genuine badge holders."

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