Nearly 1,000 drivers have been slapped with penalties for parking in disabled spaces across a Northern region with a local authority raising thousands in fines.
Cumberland Council has begun cracking down on motorists who park in designated disabled parking spaces without displaying a valid Blue Badge.
The crackdown spans both on-street parking zones and car parks throughout the region and hopes to act as a deterrent for future misuse.
The need for tougher measures comes after many disabled residents have been left stranded after the dedicated parking spaces get snatched by drivers.
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Blue Badge holders are entitled to cheaper and also free parking around the UK
GETTY
The majority of fines were issued for on-street parking violations, with 981 Penalty Charge Notices given out, according to a Freedom of Information report. A further 210 fines were handed out for off-street parking offences in car parks, which brought in £6,615 in fines.
In Cumberland, motorists caught parking illegally in a disabled bay face a penalty charge of £70, although this can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
But for drivers found misusing a Blue Badge face more severe penalties, with fines of up to £1,000 possible if reported to Cumberland Council.
The council also has the power to withdraw Blue Badges if a conviction is obtained with members of the public urged to report anyone who is suspected of misusing the discounted parking scheme.
These strict penalties reflect the council’s commitment to protecting parking spaces designated for disabled badge holders, the authority added.
The FOI detailed how in Carlisle alone, £265,840 in fines have been collected since April 2023, with £107,055 coming from the 10 most ticketed streets.
Castle Street emerged as the most fined location, with 935 penalty notices issued, followed by Rickergate with 553 fines and Cecil Street with 519.
In Workington, parking enforcement has also been significant, with 5,657 fines raising £154,260 across the town’s streets.
Gray Street has proven to be Workington’s most ticketed location, with 371 fines generating £10,405 in revenue. The council said: “We take these offences very seriously and will continue to be vigilant in making our checks with a view to stamping out misuse.
“Abuse and fraudulent use of Blue Badges undermines public confidence in the scheme and means that fewer spaces are available for those using their valid badges correctly.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to address the number of Blue Badge thefts and misuse happening across the country.
He told the Commons: “Look, theft of a Blue Badge is appalling. Depriving people of their independence and ability to travel with confidence has a real human impact every single time, and that’s why we’re working closely with local authorities to help them tackle fraud and misuse.”
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Blue badge holder theft has increased over the yearsGETTYThe London Assembly has also been pushing for all London councils to crackdown on Blue Badge misuse. It called for a new awareness campaign to inform Londoners about best practices for safeguarding their Blue Badges, including increased access to secure Blue Badge protectors.
The Assembly explained: “Blue Badges are crucial for enabling mobility and accessibility for disabled individuals, providing access to essential services, employment, and community participation. However, it concerns the Assembly that Blue Badge theft has quadrupled over the past decade.
“Reports from badge holders and advocacy groups have highlighted the impact of Blue Badge theft, including instances of harassment and targeting. Stolen badges are often sold illegally, putting individuals with disabilities at further risk of crime and exploitation.”