Three drivers have been fined after using cancelled Blue Badges to park in Bexley, two of which were stolen.

Ms Jasmine Sinclair of Rainbow Road, Erith, displayed a stolen Blue Badge when she parked in a disabled bay in Edmund Road, Welling in May.

She was fined £500 and ordered to pay costs of £400 and a surcharge of £50 – a total of £950.

Mrs Josefina Lusende of Foots Cray High Street also displayed a stolen Blue Badge to park in a restricted parking zone in High Street, Sidcup, in January.

She was fined £250 and ordered to pay costs of £300 and a surcharge of £34 – a total of £584.

Mr Michael Cameron of Heathfield Terrace, Plumstead, parked in Edmund Road, Welling, on two separate occasions in May displaying a Blue Badge that had been reported lost and cancelled.

He was fined £250 for each offence and ordered to pay costs of £400 and a surcharge of £34 – a total of £934.

They all appeared at Bexley Magistrates Court on Wednesday, October 5.

Bexley Council has reminded the public that Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence which can lead to prosecution.

Offenders can receive a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record.

Only those who have a physical or non-physical disability affecting their mobility are eligible for a Blue Badge and can display it for their benefit.

Councillor Peter Craske, Bexley's Cabinet Member for Places, said: “It saddens me greatly to learn that this type of dishonest, shameful abuse is happening in our borough.

“I am pleased that our officers are continuing to be vigilant with their Blue Badge checks and offenders are being brought to justice.

“I wonder if these offenders realise that they took away a parking space from someone in genuine need.

"When Blue Badge holders cannot park close enough to where they need to go, they may end up abandoning their appointments or planned trips.

“We will continue our routine checks and prosecute without exception. We have the means to check the validity of a Blue Badge instantly.

“So, if you are misusing a Blue Badge, it is only a question of time before you are caught and prosecuted.”

A Blue Badge must be returned to the issuing authority if:

• the badge has expired 

• the holder’s medical condition/mobility improves, and they are no longer eligible 

• a replacement has been issued for a lost or stolen badge and the original is found  • the badge is damaged or illegible 

• the holder no longer needs the badge because they are confined to the house, or the holder has passed away. 

If you suspect that a Blue Badge is being misused, you can report your concerns at www.bexley.gov.uk/reportbluebadge

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