Blue badge day of action – supporting our disabled road users

As part of the National Blue Badge Day on Friday 26 May, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) carried out a day of action to make sure that blue badges are being used correctly in order to ensure full access for disabled road users and passengers.

As part of the day WNC worked with partners to carry out a review across the town to ensure that blue badge holders have fair access to town centre facilities, to assess the current level of blue badge misuse and ensure the blue badge scheme is effectively operated across the area.

The day of action is a national initiative, with 81 councils across the country taking part this year. Throughout the day the team of parking enforcement officers and counter fraud officers checked over 100 blue badges in Northampton Town Centre to ensure they’re being used correctly and fairly. Four parking tickets were issued, and one badge which was found to be being misused was confiscated.

“As a blue badge user myself, I know first-hand how important it is to be able to access parking facilities close to amenities. There are unfortunately some people who misuse the system, and therefore, take away valuable parking space from those who need it most. 

“We are pleased to have worked with partners on this day of action to monitor levels of misuse and carry out a review of our accessible parking within the town.”Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at WNC

Residents can report blue badge misuse by visiting:https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/finance/reporting-fraud-concerns.

Further information and how to apply for a blue badge visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge.