Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

Blue Badge misuse lands driver in court as Council ramps up enforcement efforts

Monday, 9 December 2024

A former Houghton Regis resident was convicted for recent misuse of a Blue Badge.

As part of our ongoing crackdown on Blue Badge fraud, Carl McCabe formerly of Rose Walk, Houghton Regis was convicted at Luton Crown Court on December 6, 2024, for improper use of a disabled person’s parking badge. McCabe received fines and penalties of £2,400.

Mr McCabe was spotted in May 2024 during a routine patrol by a Central Bedfordshire Council officer on Langdale Road, Dunstable. McCabe’s vehicle was parked on a single yellow line, displaying a Blue Badge, which permits parking only if the badge holder is picked up or dropped off from where the car is parked.  

The officer observed McCabe securing a child in the car and requested to inspect the badge. McCabe initially agreed but quickly entered the driver’s seat and drove off. The investigation confirmed that neither McCabe nor the child was the registered Blue Badge holder, and the badge holder was not present at the location. McCabe was later invited to explain his actions in an Interview Under Caution but didn’t attend. 

McCabe’s case comes shortly after a targeted enforcement day conducted by the Council on December 5, 2024. In a concentrated effort to combat Blue Badge misuse, officers inspected Blue Badges in various car parks and along roads marked with double yellow lines in Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Potton, Biggleswade, and Sandy.

During the operation, officers checked 106 Blue Badges, uncovering two cases where badges were misused without the holder present. Investigations into these cases are ongoing. Additionally, one vehicle was found parked in a disabled space without displaying a Blue Badge, resulting in Penalty Charge Notices being issued.

Councillor John Baker, Executive Member for Finance and Highways, emphasised the importance of these enforcement measures, saying:

The council’s administration agrees with the views of other councillors who say, parking enforcement is a priority. This conviction and our ongoing efforts demonstrate our commitment to protecting access for genuine Blue Badge holders. Misusing these permits is not only illegal but is unfair to those who genuinely rely on them. We would like to remind residents that Blue Badges are for the sole use of the designated holder and unauthorised use can result in a criminal record, fines up to £1,000 and badge confiscation.

If you suspect misuse of a Blue Badge, please report it by calling 0300 300 4154 or emailing car.badges@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.