Motorists face massive bills totalling more than £9,000 in fines, costs and surcharges after illegally using Blue Badges – 12 of which had been stolen.
One person from Greenwich was prosecuted three times for the same offence of using a stolen badge – all of them in the same month.
Offenders came from as far afield as Coventry and Crawley.
Fourteen of the cases involved drivers who were guilty of displaying Blue Badges in the following circumstances: 12 of the badges displayed had previously been cancelled when reported stolen.
Two vehicle owners were found guilty of failing to provide information relating to the identification of the person driving their vehicle when a suspected misuse incident occurred. Stolen Blue Badges were used in both cases.
In all 17 cases, the badges were used to take advantage of parking concessions which the drivers were not entitled to. As set out in the Blue Badge scheme’s eligibility criteria, only individuals who have a physical or non-physical disability affecting their mobility are eligible for a Blue Badge and can benefit from the parking concessions available under the scheme. The scheme rules clearly indicate that a Blue Badge should only be displayed for the benefit of the holder to help them park within a manageable distance of their destination.
Only four of the 17 actually live within the borough of Bromley. All of the badges had been issued by local authorities other than Bromley.
Cllr Angela Page, Bromley’s executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, says: “It concerns me greatly to learn that this type of dishonest abuse is continuing here in Bromley, particularly the number of badges being displayed that have been reported as stolen.
“Motorists should be aware that we have the means to instantly check the status of a Blue Badge and this is what we do. “Where we find that a badge on display has been cancelled, we will thoroughly investigate and proceed to prosecution as appropriate.
“I would urge anyone in possession of a cancelled Blue Badge to return it to the issuing authority shown on the badge immediately. “Do not be tempted to display it under any circumstances or as the number of prosecutions for this type of offence suggest, prosecution will follow.”
The Blue Badges associated with all 17 incidents were issued by local authorities outside of Bromley and only four of the cases involved Bromley residents. More than 55 prosecutions have taken place for similar Blue Badge misuse related offences in Bromley during the last year.
A Blue Badge must be returned to the issuing authority shown on the front of the badge in any of the following circumstances; the badge has expired, the holder’s medical condition/mobility improves and they are no longer eligible, a replacement has been issued for a lost or stolen badge and the original is found, the badge is damaged or illegible, the holder no longer needs the badge because they are confined to the house, or the holder has passed away.
Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence which can lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. Anyone who suspects that a blue badge is being used for the benefit of a person who is not the badge holder can report their concerns at: www.bromley.gov.uk/reportbluebadge
(Source: Bromley.gov home news website)
Croydon’s Extra Care services receive ‘good’ CQC ratings across the board
All six of Croydon Council’s Extra Care services have been rated as ‘Good’ following Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections.
From Croydon council: These positive ratings show that all council facilities are performing well and meeting CQC expectations for safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led services.
Extra Care facilities provide similar accommodation to sheltered housing, with residents living in their own self-contained homes with 24-hour personal care support including assistance with food and hygiene or social activities.
Staff at these facilities look after many of Croydon’s vulnerable residents, providing assistance for those with dementia, sensory impairment, learning and physical disabilities, to live as independent lives as possible within their own communities.
The CQC looks carefully at the service being provided to residents. In its latest round of inspections, it found that people were being well supported by staff to have control over their own lives wherever possible, respecting their best interests and individual choices.
Staff had positive relationships with both residents and their families, with cultures which allowed for concerns to be properly raised and addressed.
Each facility was also committed to regularly checking and reviewing their own work, learning where they can improve and strengthen services or safeguarding measures.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon said:
“These positive CQC ratings are testament to the hard work of staff caring for Croydon’s most vulnerable, navigating added pandemic pressures to ensure residents still received high quality and compassionate services.
“It is important that we continue to deliver these services, working with residents to maximise their independence and enable them to live connected lives within their own communities.” (Source: Croydon council press release)
NEWS FROM CRYSTAL PALACE 