16/03/2004

Drivers misusing disabled parking spaces face £1,000 fine

People who park in disabled parking spaces illegally could face a £1,000 fine under plans unveiled by the government today.

Police and parking officers will get new powers to inspect blue badges, and prevent abuse of parking spaces for disabled people, through an amendment to the Traffic Management Bill.

There are currently more than two million blue badges in the UK, issued to people with severely limited mobility. Vehicles displaying the badges can park in designated bays and are exempt from certain parking restrictions.

The new powers would enable police and parking enforcement officers to require that a blue badge is produced for inspection by anyone in the vehicle or anyone who appears to have been using it, or about to use it.

Transport Minister Tony McNulty said: "Abuse of the scheme by those who are not entitled to its concessions undermines its credibility, and has an immediate impact on the mobility of disabled people who are unable to make use of parking spaces which are being used illegally."

(gmcg)

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