An Orpington driver who parked in a disabled bay while she went to the gym has to cough up more than £300 after being taken to court.

Tammy Rye, 36, of Barrister Gardens, was found guilty of misusing a Blue Badge by a District Judge afte pleading not guilty at her original hearing.

She was sentenced to an 18-month conditional discharge and order to pay £320.

Councillor Lydia Buttinger, Executive Assistant for Environment, said: "This latest conviction only goes to show if you misuse a blue badge, and you attempt to give over a false statement of events, you will certainly get caught.

"The council will fully investigate your claims, and if necessary you will face a trial. 

"In short, a badge should only be displayed if the badge holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or to pick the badge holder up, or drop them off.

MORE TOP STORIES

"If the badge holder is not present it will be confiscated and you face going to court and a criminal record.

"Both misuse of a blue badge and providing inconsistent, inaccurate or misleading evidence to a court is an incredibly serious matter."

Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence which can lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge.

These latest convictions bring the total to twenty-one successful prosecutions since the start of the crackdown, which has been put in place to protect the Blue Badge Scheme.

As part of the ongoing misuse campaign, the Council has been carrying out regular on street blue badge checks and has sent out communications to educate holders.

Anyone who suspects that a blue badge is being used for the benefit of a person who is not the badge holder can report their concerns at: www.bromley.gov.uk/reportbluebadge