A crackdown on Blue Badge misuse has resulted in a record fine for one driver - and another fined for using his recently deceased father's badge.

Bexley Council has prosecuted 22 drivers illegally using blue badges since the start of its crackdown two years ago.

One driver was ordered to pay more than £1,100, including fine, court costs and a surcharge.

Cllr Alex Sawyer, Bexley's cabinet member for traffic and transport said: “We are continuing to strengthen the campaign across Bexley and our commitment remains to prosecute those who misuse Blue Badges.

"Anyone considering avoiding parking fees by using a relative’s badge in the absence of the badge holder, or a badge cancelled as lost or stolen, must realise that zero tolerance applies and ask themselves if it’s worth the risk.”

Ohene Owusu-Ansah Jnr, of Erith Road, Belvedere was caught using his father’s Blue Badge to park in Arnsberg Way Car Park, Bexleyheath in April this year.

At the time of the confiscation, Owusu-Ansah told the enforcement officer his father was in the Broadway and was given the chance to walk to his location.

However, Owusu-Ansah refused to co-operate and instead drove away. 

Owusu-Ansah did not attend court and the case was proven in his absence. He was fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £400 and a surcharge of £66.

Earlier this year, Mitchell Henderson, of Orlestone View, Hamstreet, pleaded guilty to using his father’s Blue Badge to park in a restricted street, Hatherley Road, Sidcup, in order to visit a relative.

At the time of the confiscation, Henderson claimed his father was inside a nearby flat, but after an investigation, it was found the badge holder had passed away.

Henderson was fined £200 and ordered to pay £120 in court costs and a £30 surcharge.

The third offender, an Erith mother, pleaded guilty to using her daughter’s Blue Badge to drop another child off at school. She was fined £40 and ordered to pay £100 in costs and a £30 surcharge.

The council says it will not provide details of this offender to "protect the child's identity".

Cllr Sawyer said: “Our officers on the street continue to be vigilant in their daily blue badge checks and drivers will soon see stronger on-street signs warning of the consequences of blue badge misuse which is a criminal offence.”