NEWS LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS
Blue-badge bandits caught red-handed
A joint operation involving Croydon Council and the police ended in court hearings – and criminal records – for motorists facing charges of fraudulently misusing disability parking permits. At Croydon
Magistrates’ Court, seven of eight drivers admitted their misuse of the permits – commonly known as blue badges – displayed in their cars, and were fined between £100 and £700; they were additionally told to pay costs of between £200 and £775. Te eighth pleaded not guilty and
the case was adjourned until September. Last December, a
two-day operation was staged in central Croydon with the intention of tackling blue badge misuse. Over the course of the two days, eight blue badges were confiscated from drivers who were not the named holders. In each case, the blue badge holder wasn’t present. With 10,556 blue
badges issued in Croydon (and 700,000 nationally), abuse of the scheme is a growing and widespread problem. Badge holders may
park on single or double yellow lines for up to
invited to have their say on how much motorists should pay in parking charges and for other traffic penalties. London Councils
and Transport for London (TfL) have launched a three- month consultation on levels of penalties for motorists who commit parking and traffic contraventions. The levels of penalties charged are reviewed every four years. The last consultation, carried out in 2006, resulted in the introduction of the two-tier parking system in July 2007.
This means all contraventions on TfL roads, and the more
10 AUGUST 2010
serious contraventions on London borough roads, incur a higher penalty than other contraventions.
three hours, except where there is a ban on loading or unloading. Tey may also park free of charge, and for as long as they need to, at on-street parking meters and pay-and-display machines. Councillor Phil
Tomas, cabinet member for environment and highways, applauded the work of the council officers and police in successfully prosecuting the cases. He said: ‘We’ve
spoken to many motorists, blue badge holders and others, who have said how glad they are that we’re cracking
Newsdesk: 01223 273526
editor@britishparking.co.uk
Misuse of blue badges gives disabled drivers the blues
down on the high levels of misuse, and bringing offenders to book. ‘Te most important
element of this offence is the fact that, by abusing the system, they’re probably
MOTORISTS IN THE DRIVING SEAT Drivers are being
Londoners and other interested parties will be asked whether they think the two- tier system works, or whether there should
be a single level of penalty charge. They will also be asked for their views on how much penalties should be for different contraventions, such as parking illegally or wheel clamp release. Following the consultation, TfL and London Councils’ Transport and
Mayor of
London, Boris Johnson, is to approve
new parking penalty plans
Environment Committee will make a final decision on 9 December 2010. This will be approved by the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State for Transport, and it is intended the new penalties will come into effect from 1 April 2011. Chair of London Councils Transport
and Environment Committee, Cllr Catherine West, said: ‘We know that parking penalties are a contentious issue and we are encouraging everyone to have their say in this consultation. ‘We must ensure penalties are at the right level to deter motorists from stopping the flow of traffic by parking illegally or carrying out dangerous manoeuvres, which put other road users at risk.’ To have your
say, visit: www.londoncouncils.
gov.uk/lcandtfl consultation or call 020 7934 9907.
putting somebody who is disabled to a degree of difficulty and inconvenience they shouldn’t have to face. ‘And a less important
side effect is the loss of parking revenue to the council. Tese people are using blue badges to park free of charge, and if they’re in a bay, they’re preventing other, genuinely disabled motorists legitimately parking in that space.’
NO PARK CHARGES
Plans to introduce car park charges in Richmond and Bushy Parks have been scrapped following fierce opposition from the public. The government will look at other ways of raising revenue from the Royal Parks, such as holding events such as regular farmers markets.
www.britishparking.co.uk
© BEN WATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY
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