The Blue Badge Scheme is an important service for people with mobility issues or health conditions which enables badge holders to park closer to where they need to go.
Throughout the day civil enforcement officers received refresher training on how to inspect Blue Badges and the importance of establishing if badges were being used in accordance with the scheme. The inspections took place in Tunbridge Wells.
Blue Badge holders spoken to throughout the day, welcomed the news and gave positive feedback about the need for badges to be inspected in the area.
In total 13 people had badges inspected, all the people spoken to were using the badge in accordance with the scheme.
The eligibility criteria change has increased the number of badges used in Kent. It is therefore paramount that Blue Badges are used for legitimate purposes.
“Abusing the scheme by using badges not belonging to you, deceased people’s badges and stolen badges for personal gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Dan Watkins, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health said “The Blue Badge scheme is there to support vulnerable people in maintaining independence and access to services. Abusing the scheme by using badges not belonging to you, deceased people’s badges and stolen badges for personal gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Justine Rutland, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Parking said: "I am very pleased that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is working with Kent County Council to ensure that Blue Badge holders are not being inconvenienced because someone is misusing a badge. The scheme is very important, and it is right that this enforcement action is taken."
Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/reportfraudand search ‘Blue Badge’ to report the suspected misuse of a Blue Badge.
