Labour has been urged to crack down on Blue Badge fraud which has skyrocketed in the past few years with figures finding a 1000 per cent hike in criminal activity.
The warning comes after the British Parking Association (BPA) released alarming statistics highlighting the serious and growing problem of Blue Badge abuse.
Between 2014 and 2023, the number of Blue Badges stolen in London alone increased by 400 per cent, with genuine badge holders being the victims of this crime.
The fraudulent use of the badges involves someone else using them, not displaying them correctly, and using them after they've expired or been reported lost or stolen.
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More than 2.5 million drivers across the UK possess a Blue Badge GETTY Some fraudsters have even been caught using badges belonging to deceased people to secure free and convenient parking.
But more alarmingly, drivers caught breaking the rules often dismiss their actions as harmless, considering it merely "borrowing Grannies badge" for a quick errand.
However, the BPA warned that for every badge being misused, a space has been denied to a genuine badge holder who may need closer access to the street.
Croydon Council has begun cracking down against this growing problem, taking drastic action to even tow vehicles away which have been found to display misused badges.
Owners will then be required to pay a fine and surrender the badge before retrieving their car.
In more serious cases, drivers caught committing Blue Badge fraud face being taken to court if they refuse to hand over the illegally used permit, with the first court dates for offenders expected to take place later this summer as part of this enforcement drive.
Alison Tooze, Chief Engagement and Policy Officer at the BPA, said: "The statistics around the level of Blue Badge misuse and fraud are shocking.
"We cannot continue to ignore this issue, especially when the victims are some of the most vulnerable in our society.
"Badge holders rely on accessible parking to carry out their day-to-day activities, and for many, it is a vital part of living an independent life.
“Perpetrators of Blue Badge misuse and fraud deprive genuine badge holders of this right to freedom, whilst costing ordinary taxpayers millions every year. This must stop."
Meanwhile, executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, added: "Someone using a Blue Badge when they are not eligible is so unfair on those who depend on them and really makes lives more difficult."
"Residents have told me they are concerned about this problem, which is why we are taking action to tackle it.
"Anyone misusing a Blue Badge in Croydon should prepare for their vehicle to be towed and to be called to court for the crime."
Earlier this year Haringey Council fined two offenders a total of £2,040 for misusing the Blue Badge permits. In both cases, the badges had been reported lost or stolen by the original holders.
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Last year, 1,600 Blue Badges were reported as being stolen by users GETTYNow, the BPA has called for the Government to give local authorities greater powers to tackle the issue effectively.
With one option being a review of civil and criminal powers available to combat this fraudulent activity.
Not all disabilities are visible, the BPA warned, with the public advised not to confront suspected misusers.
Instead, residents can report their concerns to the council to help protect this vital scheme for those who genuinely need it.
