New powers to stop Blue Badge misuse
Parking Attendants will have the power to inspect Disabled Blue Badges from Friday (29 September) following a change in the law to try and stop people abusing the system.
If you are asked to show your badge to an attendant and fail to do so it will be a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1000. This is in addition to the possible £1000 fine for using a badge if you are not eligible to do so.
"Winchester City Council is asking residents to be aware of the changes in the law" says Cllr Barry Lipscomb Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transport, "It is important that we prevent people from misusing the blue badge system to protect the needs of people with a genuine need to park closer to facilities. Our Parking Attendants will approach this additional area of their work with their usual courtesy but we will not be lenient should they encounter abuse of a system intended to help the disabled."