Review of the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme
(The Blue Badge Scheme)
Recommendations for change

5. Enforcement

5.1 Introduction

5.1 There is general recognition by all respondents to the discussion paper that effective enforcement of the Scheme is reliant upon the ability to check that the person using a Badge is authorised to do so and that greater enforcement would benefit everyone.

5.2 Wider Checking of Badges

DPTAC recommend that:

[34] Legislation be introduced at the earliest opportunity in England and Wales to enable Badges to be checked by police officers, traffic wardens and parking attendants.

[35] Consideration be given to the early introduction of smart cards linked to the national database to aid enforcement and facilitate concessions on payments.

5.2.1 All respondents agreed that legislation should be introduced as soon as possible to improve the enforcement of the Scheme by allowing Badges to be checked. Some respondents suggested that serial number on the Badge should also indicate the sex and age of the holder to assist with enforcement. DPTAC believe that the power to check the Badge and the photograph of the holder is appropriate. The expiry dates on the Badge should also be tamper proof, and easily identifiable.

5.2.2 It was also agreed that this power should apply to all enforcement agencies (Police, traffic wardens and parking attendants) as it is the foundation that underpins the successful operation of the Scheme. DPTAC recommend it is vital that the Government introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to be consistent with existing legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

5.2.3 The use of technology to support the above recommendations in the form of smart cards or similar techniques involving the likes of barcodes combined with hand held devices to check machine-readable Badges would greatly facilitate checks on abuse and misuse of Badges. It would also facilitate any extension of concessions to off street parking and road user charging Schemes. To ensure consistency across the UK, Government is encouraged to research and promote the development of this technology as a priority.

5.3 Penalty for abuse by Badge Holders

DPTAC recommend that:

[36] Illegal use of Badges should be prosecuted.

[37] Penalty notices should also be issued to Badge holders parking on street illegally.

[38] Guidance should be issued on appropriate penalties for abuse by Badge holders and when it is appropriate to withdraw a Badge.

[39] Penalties should increase with the incidence of abuse, leading to the withdrawal of the Badge.

5.3.1 DPTAC strongly supports the view that penalties must be seen as a deterrent for those abusing the Scheme and this was supported by many respondents to the discussion paper, including Badge holders themselves. However, such moves also need to be accompanied by clear guidance to Badge holders on what they may and may not do.

5.4 Abuse by Non Badge Holders

DPTAC recommend that:

[40] Penalty notices should be issued to every vehicle owner not displaying a Badge when the vehicle is parked in an on-street parking space designated for Badge holders.

[41] Penalties should be increased and include points on driving licences to strengthen the deterrence for misuse of designated disabled persons parking spaces on the street by non Badge holders and for misuse of Badges by non Badge holders.

5.4.1 All respondents agreed that abuse of the Scheme by non-Badge holders seriously undermines the Scheme and must be addressed. Again, there is a need for clear guidance to Badge holders and the public alike on the nature and purpose of the Scheme.

5.5 Providing Information about the Scheme

DPTAC recommend that:

[42] There should be more information, training and publicity about the purpose of the Scheme for Badge holders and non-Badge holders, including those responsible for administering and enforcing it.

[43] This information should be available in alternative media and targeted at specific audiences.

5.5.1 It is essential that the users of the Scheme are fully aware of its purpose, concessions and restrictions. DPTAC would recommend updating current guidance to provide this knowledge and understanding. Misconceptions have occurred in the past. For example users have not been aware that it is a criminal offence to drive a vehicle displaying a Badge unless the Badge holder is in the vehicle, or the vehicle is being driven by someone other than the Badge holder for the purpose of entering or leaving an area (which is accessible only to vehicles displaying a Badge) in order to pick up or drop off the Badge holder.

5.5.2 It is also apparent that the public needs to be better informed about and be more aware of the nature and purpose of the Scheme. DPTAC would encourage use of national information services and campaigns including the Highway Code and specific incorporation into driving test procedures.

5.5.3 In order to achieve consistency in the application and benefits of the Scheme for users, it is also essential that those responsible for administering and enforcing the Scheme receive proper training on its objectives and operation.

Published: 18 December 2002

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