This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7620342.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Illegal blue badges cost £500,000 | Illegal blue badges cost £500,000 |
| (about 11 hours later) | |
| Drivers parking illegally in spaces for disabled motorists are costing Birmingham £500,000 in lost parking fees each year, council chiefs said. | Drivers parking illegally in spaces for disabled motorists are costing Birmingham £500,000 in lost parking fees each year, council chiefs said. |
| The city council has vowed to take tough action against those caught, threatening fines of up to £1,000. | The city council has vowed to take tough action against those caught, threatening fines of up to £1,000. |
| Hundreds of people had already been caught, council leaders told an investigation by BBC's Inside Out in the West Midlands. | Hundreds of people had already been caught, council leaders told an investigation by BBC's Inside Out in the West Midlands. |
| A blue badge can only be displayed if the permit holder is using the vehicle. | A blue badge can only be displayed if the permit holder is using the vehicle. |
| Criminal record | Criminal record |
| Transport chiefs said the most common misuse was people using badges awarded to their relatives, without the relatives being in the car. | Transport chiefs said the most common misuse was people using badges awarded to their relatives, without the relatives being in the car. |
| However, people had also been caught using fraudulent badges. | However, people had also been caught using fraudulent badges. |
| Currently, wardens only have the powers to tow away the offending vehicles and to issue a fine of £140. | Currently, wardens only have the powers to tow away the offending vehicles and to issue a fine of £140. |
| However, the city council said it would now start using private prosecutions to bring people to court, which would allow them to impose higher fines and leave the drivers with a criminal record. | However, the city council said it would now start using private prosecutions to bring people to court, which would allow them to impose higher fines and leave the drivers with a criminal record. |
| Extra patrols will also be out on the streets catching those flouting the law. | Extra patrols will also be out on the streets catching those flouting the law. |
| Advertisement | |
| Offenders may face a criminal record and a substantial fine |
Previous version
1
Next version