Two Blue Badge abusers are fined £1,000 for parking in Bedford

Two people will have to pay back more than £1,000 between them after Bedford Borough Council prosecuted them for misusing Blue Badges.

On October 22 this year, Rasheena Kalyan of Ampthill Road, Bedford, pleaded guilty to misusing a Blue Badge after using her father-in-law’s badge to park on Mill Street while taking equipment to her beauty salon.

It is against the law to use the badge unless the badge holder is in the vehicle, or the vehicle is being used to pick up or drop off the holder. Ms Kalyan was ordered to pay a fine of £250, costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £32.

David Maddox of St Cuthbert’s Court, Newnham Road, Bedford was also prosecuted in October for illegally using his brother’s badge to park in St Loyes Street.

Mr Maddox claimed his brother had been with him at the time of the violation. However CCTV footage and bus pass usage information proved that wasn't the case. After eventually pleading guilty, Mr Maddox was ordered to pay a fine of £120, costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £32.

Councillor Michael Headley, portfolio holder for finance, said: “Blue Badge misuse takes parking spaces away from people who need them, which is unacceptable. Our enforcement officers check blue badges around Bedford borough every day to ensure that those using them do so legitimately.

“The council will take action against those suspected of misusing a Blue Badge, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal conviction.”

If you suspect someone is committing Blue Badge misuse, you can report it by completing the online form on the Bedford Borough Council website hereThe scheme was set up to help people with a disability park closer to their destination and many people with a disability rely on this scheme to help them get around more easily.