Blue Badge Day of Action helps combat badge misuse
19 December 2025
On 11 December 2025, three of our member councils took part in a joint exercise to help combat Blue Badge misuse.
City of York Council, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Middlesbrough Council took part in a Blue Badge Day of Action, during which enforcement officers checked a total of 192 badges across several locations in the three areas, with four potential instances of misuse identified and now under investigation.
Cold weather and limited daylight can significantly affect mobility, therefore ensuring disabled residents can park closely to essential services is even more important during winter months. As shopping areas become increasingly busy in the lead-up to the festive season, councils are taking steps to ensure disabled residents can still access key services and shops.
Each council utilised data collected from previous enforcement exercises, so that resources could be focussed on the areas where misuse has occurred in the past.
Blue Badge misuse can take many forms. Common examples include using someone else’s badge without the badge holder being present, continuing to use a badge that belonged to someone who has died, or using one that is expired, reported lost, or stolen. Offenders face possible prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
Veritau is committed to working with our member councils to proactively tackle Blue Badge misuse and plans to run regular enforcement activities such as this one. Since May 2023, the council’s Blue Badge Days of Action have seen a total 920 Blue Badges checked, with 27 potential instances of misuse identified.
Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
“Blue Badges are a lifeline for people who genuinely rely on them to shop, work, reach important appointments and stay independent. When someone misuses a badge, they take spaces away from residents with serious mobility issues and make everyday tasks much harder for those who need support the most.
“Misuse is a crime. Our enforcement teams check all Blue Badges and follow up every case through to prosecution. Well done to everyone involved in this day of action and for shining a light on an issue that matters deeply to our residents.”
Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment & Sustainability, said:
“The Blue Badge scheme is a vital resource for those who need it and who use it responsibly, and to abuse it is simply unacceptable.
“We do everything we can to ensure the town centre is accessible to all, and this important scheme is a key part of that.
“This campaign is a timely reminder that while enforcement is always a last resort, the rules are there for a reason and those who flout them can expect to receive a hefty fine.”
If you suspect fraud please report it to the council’s counter-fraud team, Veritau, immediately on 0800 9179 247 or [email protected].
To find out more about our counter fraud services click here.
