Report blue badge cheats, North East Lincolnshire Council urges

James Vardy, 77, and his wife, Pauline, 73, said their blue badges were essential for helping them leave the house.

He said he had only used his badge responsibly and believed those who did not should have them confiscated.

“People using them who don’t need them is terrible, they’re taking a space which a disabled person might need, and they’d have to park miles away, which is unfair for him or her.”

Pauline added: “As soon as you find out someone is misusing one, take it off them and fine them.”

The council said civil enforcement officers could ask to examine blue badges and failure to comply was a criminal offence.

Sawkins said: “People misusing them, whatever the circumstances, is not acceptable. These badges are for the holders and them alone.”

In 2025, the Blue Badge Fraud Investigation agency warned badges were being faked, doctored, stolen and sold online.

Some were even being used by family members after the badge holder had died, the agency claimed.

Phil Brittain, from Blue Badge Protector, said there were a number of reasons for the rise in badge abuse.

“The cost for parking, so people will buy a black market blue badge to save on parking and, obviously, the convenience of being near a shop,” he said.

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