Drivers face 'criminal conviction' and hefty fines for abusing major traffic rules in tough crackdown

Croydon Council said the convictions could have serious consequences for those involved, as some jobs require employees to have a clean criminal record.

The local authority stated the prosecutions were part of a tough approach aimed at protecting disabled residents who rely on Blue Badge parking spaces to get on with everyday life.

Blue Badges are designed to help people with mobility problems park close to shops, workplaces and services. When the system is abused, those people lose access to spaces they genuinely need.

The court heard how the offences included using stolen badges, fake permits and badges belonging to other people.

The most severe penalty was handed to one driver from Briar Avenue in London. He was ordered to pay £1,180 after being found using a stolen Blue Badge. Another driver from Croydon was fined £1,120 for displaying a counterfeit badge.

Meanwhile, someone from Sutton was ordered to pay £1,040 after using someone else's badge while picking up items from his workplace.

A driver from Warbank Crescent in Croydon received a £760 penalty for having a stolen badge, while someone from Loampit Vale in London was fined £732 for using a badge when the rightful holder was not in the vehicle.

A motorist from Onslow Gardens in Wallington, who admitted using another person's permit, was fined £540, while the final driver from Cairo New Road in Croydon received the lowest penalty of £440.

Croydon Council said these seven cases are just a small part of a much wider enforcement drive. Since May, officers have challenged more than 90 people suspected of misusing Blue Badges.

During the operation, 32 vehicles were seized, and several fraudulently used badges were confiscated. Penalty Charge Notices were also issued.

Of the vehicles seized, 29 were later collected by their owners. Three cars were never claimed and were eventually destroyed. Drivers whose cars are impounded face a £360 release fee, plus daily storage charges of £55.

The council has confirmed that the crackdown is continuing. A further 20 prosecutions are already lined up and are expected to go through the courts by March this year.

Offences include using fake or cancelled badges, permits belonging to people who have died, and badges that were reported lost or stolen. Executive Mayor Jason Perry said the action shows the council is serious about enforcement.

He shared: "These convictions show we are actively enforcing those who abuse Blue Badges in Croydon. This behaviour takes advantage of residents with mobility issues, and it will not be tolerated. Anyone caught abusing the rules can expect firm action, significant financial penalties and a criminal conviction."

He added that residents had been calling for tougher action. "I have been clear that we are taking a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour in Croydon. Residents want tougher action, and the Council is responding. These seven convictions will not be the last," Mr Perry said.

The council also reminded motorists the rules around Blue Badges are strict. A badge can only be used when the holder is in the vehicle, or when a driver is picking them up or dropping them off nearby.

Using a badge to run errands when the disabled person is not present counts as misuse. Officials warned many offenders try to avoid parking charges of less than £10, only to end up with heavy fines and a permanent criminal record.

Members of the public who suspect Blue Badge abuse are advised not to confront drivers, but to report concerns through the council's Love Clean Streets service.

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