A Blue Badge is for the use and benefit only of the person to whom the badge has been issued. Misuse is a criminal offence which could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge.

• A Blue Badge should only be displayed if the badge holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or for a driver to park at the place where the badge holder is being picked up or dropped off.
• The badge holder should not simply sit and wait in the car while a friend or relative goes shopping. The badge holder is not benefitting from this and it could prevent another badge holder from parking within a manageable distance of their destination.

A badge holder who is using the concessions of the Blue Badge Scheme as a passenger should ensure the driver is aware of all the rules. GOV.UK - The Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England.

Police officers, council officers and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect a Blue Badge and confiscate it if they believe it is being misused. The council will seek to prosecute all cases of misuse.

Confiscated Blue Badge

If it is believed that a Blue Badge is being misused under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, our officer is permitted to confiscate it under the Disabled Person's Badges Act 2013. The Blue Badge is the property of the issuing authority and our officer is not obliged to return the badge to the driver.

The council will retain a confiscated badge for a short period of time to verify the details. Whilst we endeavour to process badges as quickly as possible, this can take several days. If the badge is valid, it will be returned to the relevant issuing authority.

Council officers are not permitted to meet with you in person or discuss the confiscation of the Blue Badge under any circumstances.

You can use our form to make a comment about a confiscated Blue Badge, but please do not make a personal visit for this purpose.