CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a crackdown on people illegally using Blue Badges for disabled drivers.

They say the clampdown, which revealed that 28 out of 100 badges were being misused, will help genuinely disabled drivers find parking spaces.

The operation was launched by Hampshire County Council in October to tackle misuse and fraud in disabled parking bays. It led to 28 badges being confiscated in Eastleigh, Winchester and Andover.

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

Gillian Stancer, an active campaigner for Leonard Cheshire Disability, says the figures did not come as a shock to her.

“You do see people who shouldn’t be using the Blue Badge,” she told the Daily Echo. “I was not aware Hampshire County Council was doing anything, but good on them.

“People with real disabilities find it difficult to park because there are so many badges now.

“We always have a terrible job finding parking places and I think it’s about time there was a crackdown.”

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.

Those caught received penalty charge notices, had badges confiscated and were given 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 that it is using new powers to target the fraud and is working with other councils that have responsibility for parking enforcement.

Council leader Cllr Roy Perry 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.”