WYRE Forest District Council are cracking down on blue badge misuse as demand for disabled parking bays increases.

Civil enforcement officers at the council completed a month-long operation in May, inspecting 157 badges displayed by parked drivers in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley.

With an estimated three million blue badges issued in England and Wales and close to 10,000 badges issued in Worcestershire alone, demand for parking in disabled bays is high.

The majority of permits inspected were being used properly, however officers discovered 10 blue badges being misused.

These were retained and returned to Worcestershire County Council, which administers the scheme.

Councillor John Thomas, cabinet member for operational services said: “The blue badge scheme is designed to give people with genuine disabilities easy access to shops, services and town centres. The majority of permit holders in Wyre Forest are using the scheme properly.

2Our annual campaign serves as a timely reminder that we will take action if we do spot people using permits fraudulently.

“Blue badge misuse is a serious offence which can result in a maximum fine of £1,000, as well as withdrawal of the badge.

"It is important that disabled parking spaces are reserved for those who genuinely need them most.”

Officers also spoke to another 75 badge holders to offer relevant advice such as how badges should legally be displayed.