New powers to stop the misuse of blue disabled parking badges are expected to be announced by the government.
New powers to stop the misuse of blue disabled parking badges in England are to be announced by the government.
One in every 200 badges is stolen, and some London boroughs are dealing with hundreds of cases a year of stolen, forged or borrowed and misused badges.
One in every 200 badges is stolen, and some London boroughs are dealing with hundreds of cases a year of stolen, forged or borrowed and misused badges.
But the authorities complain parking attendants cannot demand to see badges or seize illegitimate ones
But authorities complain parking attendants cannot demand to see badges or seize illegitimate ones.
Badges are now printed with holograms to stop forgery, and checks on users' eligibility are likely in the future.
Badges are now printed with holograms to stop forgery, and checks on users' eligibility are likely in the future.
The badges allow almost unhindered parking across Europe.
Problem 'rife'
Councils say the problem of stolen and forged passes is now "rife" and they need tougher powers to question drivers and seize illegitimate permits.
The badges, introduced 37 years ago, are held by about 2.3 million people across the country and allow almost unhindered parking in Europe.
Use of one by an able-bodied person carries a fine of up to £1,000.
Despite the deterrent, councils say the problem of stolen and forged passes is now "rife" and they need tougher powers to question drivers and seize illegitimate permits.
Mary Murphy, from Camden Council in north London, said fraud was a big problem and there were cases where badges had been photocopied or sold.
My car is an extension of my legs and without being able to park, it's virtually useless Celine Llewellyn Jones
"People are willing to buy them because obviously there's a saving if you use a blue badge and you don't have to pay for parking," she said.
In September, Birmingham City Council reported that drivers parking illegally in spaces for disabled motorists were costing the city £500,000 in lost parking fees each year.
In September, Birmingham City Council reported that drivers parking illegally in spaces for disabled motorists were costing the city £500,000 in lost parking fees each year.
Transport Minister Paul Clark is expected to announce steps later to tackle abuse within the system in England.
He will also outline ways to extend the scheme and make the application process more consistent.
GPs currently authorise the issuing of badges but some say they would be happy for that responsibility to be taken out of their hands.
Mr Clark told BBC Radio's Five Live it was important to make sure disabled parking spaces were available for people who genuinely needed them.
Celine Llewellyn Jones has had her blue badge stolen twice, forcing her to use expensive taxis and rely on others to do her shopping until she received a replacement.
"My car is an extension of my legs and without being able to park, it's virtually useless," she told BBC Radio's Five Live.
Are you a blue badge holder? Has yours ever been stolen? Send us your experiences using the form below.
Are you a blue badge holder? Has yours ever been stolen? Send us your experiences using the form below.
