The Blue Badge scheme is designed to help people with disabilities park closer to their destination.
Riliwan Balogun, of The Grove, Gravesend, who admitted fraud and handling stolen goods by using a stolen Disabled Person’s Parking Permit, also known as a Blue Badge, was ordered to pay a £200 victim surcharge and £1,500 fine, plus £800 in costs.
In sentencing on Friday (8th September) at Medway Magistrates Court, Magistrates’ Chair Mrs Buckland said the 33-year-old’s actions meant that he would now have a criminal record for the rest of his life and that “this was an expensive and sad lesson”.
The court heard that on 19th June 2022, Balogun had parked his car outside his home. The vehicle displayed a badge that had been reported stolen to the issuing authority, London Borough of Haringey, in May 2022.
Balogun was not with his car when a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) was issued by a Civil Enforcement Officer. However, a short time later that same day, Balogun drove his car to find and confront the Civil Enforcement Officer about the PCN he had been issued.
When questioned by the Civil Enforcement Officer as to the validity of the badge, Balogun stated it was his, then drove off.
Kent County Council (KCC), who is the issuing and enforcement authority for Blue Badges in Kent, had been informed by the Civil Enforcement Officer about the misuse of the badge and subsequent interaction with the driver.
Following enquires made by KCC’s Counter Fraud Team, Balogun was invited to attend several interviews under caution that he failed to attend.
“Blue Badges are a lifeline”
Commenting on the case, KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “By providing parking near to shops and other locations, Blue Badges are a lifeline for people with walking or mobility issues.
“Abusing the scheme prevents disabled people being able to park close to their destination and means councils have less money to spend on services, such as concessionary travel for the disabled.
“Our partnership working with district councils continues to be highly effective in stopping Blue Badge abuse.”
“...our parking enforcement officers are always alert to potential abuse of the system”
Leader of Gravesham Borough Council John Burden said: “This case serves as a warning to others who either are or are tempted use Blue Badges fraudulently that our parking enforcement officers are always alert to potential abuse of the system.
“Where they identify such cases, we will always work closely with our colleagues at Kent County Council to bring the offenders to justice.”
To report the suspected misuse of a Blue Badge, please visit www.kent.gov.uk/reportfraud and search ‘Blue Badge’.
