MORE than a quarter of Blue Badges for disabled drivers were being used illegally, a crackdown in Hampshire has revealed.

Twenty-eight out of 100 badges, which allow for easier parking for people who cannot walk, were being misused.

The clampdown was launched by the county council in October to tackle misuse and fraud in disabled parking bays.

Operations in Eastleigh, Winchester and Andover led to 28 badges being confiscated.

Infringements included people using someone else’s or a dead person’s badge and use of badges that had expired.

Investigator Steven Hewett said the most common excuse was “I am picking up stuff for the badge holder.” Offenders ranged in age from mid-20s to 70 and from across the social spectrum.

Mr Hewett said most offenders tried to lie their way out of trouble, telling convoluted stories.

Those caught received penalty charge notices, had badges confiscated and got formal warnings. Investigations with a view to prosecuting four of five offenders under the theft and fraud acts are ongoing, said Mr Hewett.

Serial offenders can save thousands of pounds a year by avoiding normal charges.

The county council has revealed it is using new powers to target the fraud and is working with other councils who have responsibility for parking enforcement.

Roy Perry, council leader, said: “It is shocking to find out the lengths to which some people will go, for just a few hours of free parking - including using a deceased person’s Blue Badge.

“This is a national problem, but as the issuing authority for Blue Badges in Hampshire, we must ensure that they are being used correctly by the people who really need them, and that disabled people are not competing with drivers who might be misusing or abusing the system.

“We are determined to protect the quality of life for our vulnerable residents.”

Disabled Motoring UK backed the crackdown. Helen Dolphin, director of policy and campaigns, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Hampshire is tackling Blue Badge abuse, so successfully.

“Unfortunately abuse of this scheme is seen by many as a victimless crime and many authorities just sweep it under the carpet. However, when you have a disability which means you can only walk a very short distance, being able to park close to where you need to go, is essential.

“I hope Hampshire’s excellent work continues so this scheme can return to being one which helps and improves the lives of disabled people, and not just those who are too lazy to walk that little bit further.”

The breakdown of abusers was:

  • Eastleigh, four confiscated out of 30 checks (Misuse, 3, Expired, 1).
  • Winchester, five confiscated out of 30 (Misuse, 3, Expired, 2).
  • Andover, 19 confiscated out of 40 (Counterfeit, 1, Use of dead person’s badge, 2, Misuse, 5, Expired, 11).