Hundreds of thousands of people are risking up to two years in prison by misusing Blue Badges, according to a new report. Data from Confused.com reveals that 705,310 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued for Blue Badge misuse between 2022 and 2024.
Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: “Our research found that 705,310 PCNs were issued related to Blue Badge misuse between 2022 and 2024. If you’re using a blue badge space without needing one, even for just a few minutes, you could be stopping someone from being able to work, shop, or attend a medical appointment.”
Investigators warn that Blue Badges are being faked, doctored, stolen and sold online at a higher rate than ever before. Paul Slowey from the Blue Badge Fraud Investigation agency told the BBC he is confiscating “more fake badges than ever before”, and that the scheme is being “thoroughly abused”.
Mark Jobling, an investigations officer in East Sussex County Council’s Blue Badge team, says one-in-five badges is being misused – usually by disabled people’s family members without the badge holder present or after the badge holder has died. Blue Badge misuse is classed as fraud, punishable by an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Exploitation of the Blue Badge scheme is completely unacceptable – it is a vital resource helping many people travel with confidence.” The government has changed the rules so that plain clothes officers can confiscate Blue Badges being misused.
