The brakes are being put on Blue Badge fraud in Haringey as the council ramps up the number of inspections.
Since joining forces in 2022 with disabled residents who co-produced the Blue Badge Enforcement Policy, a total of 58,833 inspections have been carried out, of which 2,274 have resulted in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and 483 Blue Badges have been seized.
Haringey Council is committed to taking tough action against people who are using Blue Badges fraudulently in Haringey.
Ahead of National Blue Badge Day of Action - a critical initiative which enforces the Blue Badge scheme – councils across the UK are coming together to increase public awareness and educate communities on the correct usage of Blue Badges.
Alongside collaboratively working with residents, the council aim to protect the rights of disabled motorists. This includes ensuring their voices are heard, guaranteeing accessible parking bays are used properly, as well as enhancing accessibility and independence for disabled motorists.
Cllr Seema Chandwani, Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequality and Resident Services, said:
Collaborating with our residents is key and, without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.
By actively listening to our residents, we've reshaped our policies and intensified our efforts to crack down on Blue Badge misuse. We believe in empowering those in our borough to contribute to the improvements they want to see.
This milestone is a testament to our ongoing commitment, but our dedication doesn't end here. While it's crucial to acknowledge this progress ahead of National Blue Badge Day of Action, we must ensure that supporting our disabled residents is a daily priority.
Graham Day, local resident and Chair of the Physical Disabilities Reference Group, said:
As a Blue Badge holder, it's very frustrating when you read about Blue Badges being mis-used. This heavily impacts the lives of disabled residents who are often prevented from using disabled parking bays which we are rightly entitled to use.
Together with other members of Haringey's Physical Disabilities Reference Group, I have worked closely with the council to form a policy around enforcement and reduce Blue Badge Fraud.
Knowing the council has conducted nearly 60,000 checks on Blue Badges shows they have taken our feedback seriously and are committed to detecting and preventing Blue Badge misuse.
