Section 117(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991 relates to the wrongful use of a disabled person’s badge.
It is an offence under this Act to park a motor vehicle with a badge displayed purporting to be valid when the person is using the vehicle where a disabled person’s concession would be available to a disabled person’s vehicle.
In layman’s terms, it’s an offence to misuse a disabled person’s badge for parking, whether that be by parking for free in pay and display areas or parking in a disabled parking bay without the badge holder being present.
Misuse of a Blue Badge could result in a fine up to £1,000 and confiscation of the badge.
Local councils are taking a zero-tolerance approach in order to protect the Blue Badge Scheme. Therefore, if you are suspected of misusing a blue badge it is likely the first step would be to attend an interview under caution, after which you could be criminally prosecuted.
In all cases, we offer free initial advice. As soon as you are aware of any investigations call Forrest Williams on 01623 397200.
Weronika called us after her interview under caution. She had foolishly displayed her daughter’s blue badge in a car park while she went food shopping. She knew she’d done wrong and was exceptionally remorseful for her actions. She called us, panicked at the thought of standing up in court alone without representation.
As soon as she called Forrest Williams she knew she was not alone and had help to support her every step of the way.
In court, as expected, the Magistrates were taking a zero-tolerance approach to all Misuse of Blue Badge cases being heard. Fortunately for Weronika, she was represented by one of our experienced barristers, who was able to present her case in such a way that her court fine was considerably lower than the other fines handed out to others without representation.
Weronika was delighted and felt like a considerable weight had been lifted off her shoulders once she called Forrest Williams.
If you are being investigated for, or charged with, misuse of blue badge, call our expert team now on 01623 397200.
