Don’t Get A Criminal Record in 2020

January 10, 2020

A warning goes out to relatives to take extra care when displaying a Blue Badge in 2020 following more prosecutions of family members.

Three able-bodied drivers were caught and prosecuted for taking advantage of Blue Badge scheme parking concessions they were not entitled to.  In all cases, a Blue Badge belonging to a family member was displayed in their absence.

Another vehicle owner was prosecuted under Section 17 of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1972 for failing to provide the driver’s details after a suspected Blue Badge misuse incident.

Fines totalling £2,298 including court costs and surcharges were issued to the four defendants.

Councillor Kate Lymer, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement said: “I appreciate that our town centres are very busy at this time of year and parking spaces are scarce, but I urge anyone who drives on behalf of a badge holder not to take the risk of displaying the badge in their absence.  It may seem harmless to use the badge to nip into a nearby shop, but if the holder is not present, this is misuse and our zero tolerance applies. The serious consequences include prosecution, a fine and a criminal record.”

Councillor Lymer added: “Misuse deprives those with genuine disabilities from parking as close to their destination as they need to and for this reason, we will continue to do everything we can to protect the Blue Badge scheme.  Please remember that if you display a Blue Badge, you must be able to account for the badge holder’s whereabouts.”

Since the start of the year, more than 60 motorists have been prosecuted for similar Blue Badge misuse offences in Bromley.

Mr Salih Chimen of Boundary Road, Sidcup, was guilty of displaying a Blue Badge when the holder was not present.  Two other parents from Catford and Downham, who have not been named to protect the identity of a child, were also guilty of the same offence.

This was a second conviction for the unnamed driver from Downham who was also prosecuted for a similar Blue Badge offence which took place previously.Mr Denzil Duncan of Durham Avenue, Romford, failed to provide details of the individual who was driving his vehicle when a suspected Blue Badge misuse incident occurred.

All offences took place between 26 June and 3 October 2019. Only one of the badges displayed was issued by Bromley Council and just one of the individuals prosecuted is a Bromley resident. Full details about the Blue Badge scheme rules and avoiding misuse are available at: www.bromley.gov.uk/parking

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