Crackdown continues as two more prosecuted for abusing blue badge rules
People who abuse blue badges are being warned of confiscation and court action, following the prosecution of two more motorists.
An on-street enforcement exercise by Oxfordshire County Council’s counter fraud team led to two men appearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court last week. It follows the prosecution of a woman in Oxford in May for a similar offence.
On Friday 13 December, Andrew Gill, 34, of Overdale Close, Oxford, and Johnis Lleshi, 21, of Overmead Green, Oxford, admitted illegally using blue badges to park in Oxford city centre.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “People rely on their blue badges so that they can park near workplaces, supermarkets, and health facilities. Illegal use of the scheme denies a space to someone who really needs it.
“It is not acceptable to misuse this service and the recent enforcement operation shows that this council is taking action to stop this abuse.”
Mr Gill used a blue badge to park on 21 May 2024. The council’s fraud team established that Mr Gill was using a badge that had been cancelled as its owner, Mr Gill’s mother, had died three years earlier.
He was fined £134 plus a court charge of £54 and the council was awarded costs of £350.
Mr Lleshi was found guilty of illegally using a blue badge to park on 19 June 2024 and for failing to present it for inspection when requested to do so.
When later interviewed under caution he admitted buying the badge from the social media platform Snapchat.
He was fined £153 plus a court charge of £61 and the council was awarded costs of £350.
A further case was adjourned until the new year.
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.
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 limited 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.
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