Bedford cracks down on blue badge fraudsters

Council officers slapped three drivers with fines in a crackdown on blue badge fraudsters in Bedford.
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Bedford Borough Council carried out a Blue Badge Enforcement Day in the town centre on Tuesday, December 17.

During the day, officers carried out checks and verification of the blue badges being used in the area and identifying any cases where they were being misused.

Over 70 blue badges were checked, with three fines issued for misuse and currently under investigation. Nine further Blue Badges were being used in a suspicious manner, and enquiries are ongoing.

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Cllr Michael Headley, portfolio holder for finance said: “Fraudulent applications for blue badges, or the misuse of a blue badge is an offence only ever committed by a minority of people.

"However, it is important the council continues to carry out these checks, both day-to-day and on special Enforcement Days like this one.

“Every case of blue badge fraud or misuse takes a parking space away from someone who needs it, and that is unacceptable.”

Fraudulent blue badge applications and/or use will be investigated by Bedford Borough Council and action taken against those who abuse the system.

Anyone can report concerns regarding the use of Blue Badges to the Council via www.bedford.gov.uk/bluebadge or by contacting the Council’s Customer Service Centre.