Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is issuing a stark warning to anyone who abuses the use of blue badges following the successful prosecution of a local woman.
Miss Laura Morris, from Aberdare parked her vehicle in a disabled bay at Dean Street, Aberdare and displayed a ‘Blue Badge’ on the dashboard. When the Council’s Enforcement Officers inspected the badge on display, it was discovered that the owner of the badge could not be parked in that space or be accompanying the driver as they had sadly passed away.
Miss Morris was then invited to attend an interview under caution by officers from the Council’s Corporate Fraud Team. Miss Morris then admitted that her blue badge belonged to her deceased grandfather and admitted that her actions were misguided and inappropriate.
Due to the serious nature of the case, it was referred to Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court. The hearing took place on 19th February 2025 and Miss Morris pleaded guilty to two offences of having in her possession, an article (i.e. the blue badge) for the use of or in connection with a fraud, contrary to Section 6 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Blue badge misuse is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. A penalty charge notice will normally be issued to anyone misusing a disabled parking bay.
On this occasion the Court, issued Miss Morris with a fine of £100.00 and ordered to pay £305.00 prosecution costs and a £40.00 Victim Surcharge, totalling £445.00.
Councillor Christina Leyshon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change:
“People rely on their blue badges and the scheme is designed to help people with mobility challenges access local amenities, so that they can park near workplaces, supermarkets, and health facilities. Illegal and misuse of the scheme denies a space to someone who genuinely needs it.
“It is particularly concerning that this conviction involves the display of a badge that belonged to a deceased person. It is not acceptable to misuse this service, and the recent enforcement operation shows that this Council is taking action to stop this abuse. This won’t be tolerated in in RCT and our dedicated team will continue to regularly patrol areas within the County Borough and individuals found to abuse this support scheme will be prosecuted.”
Why blue badges are important
As well as removing blue badges from people who are misusing and abusing the scheme, enforcement is used to raise awareness of the importance of the badges for residents who really need them.
Many people rely on their blue badge to remain mobile and independent, enabling them to access goods and services.
Inappropriate use of disabled parking bays can result in blue badge holders missing medical appointments, not being able to get out to buy food, or get to work. Every space really does matter.
For further information about the blue badge scheme, including how to apply using the county council’s new application service, visit the website: https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/ParkingRoadsandTravel/Parking/Bluebadgeparkingpermit.aspx
People who suspect that a ‘blue badge’ is being used fraudulently can report here - https://forms.rctcbc.gov.uk/en/Web/fraud/TypeOfFraud or email the Council’s Corporate Fraud Team at Fraud@rctcbc.co.uk.
Posted on 19/03/2025