Disabled parking plagued by fraud

The scheme that allows disabled drivers enhanced parking rights is being discredited by thousands of motorists involved in widespread abuse.

The scheme that allows disabled drivers enhanced parking rights is being discredited by thousands of motorists involved in widespread abuse.

Disabled drivers' groups demanded an overhaul of the 31-year-old system used by more than two million people yesterday because of fraudulent use of the badges. They complain that the scheme is impossible to police effectively, with some estimates suggesting that up to one-third of the badges are misused.

People without disabilities borrowing them from disabled relatives or friends cause the greatest problems. Groups said they had also discovered copied and out-of-date badges being used. The blue badges allow the holders to park on yellow lines without penalty.

However, the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club said councils were increasingly rejecting the system in favour of local schemes because of perceived abuse and the congestion it causes. It said disabled drivers were finding it increasingly difficult to park in places where they do not live and the problem is being compounded by the growth of pedestrianised areas.

Officials want Alistair Darling, the Transport Secretary, to act to prevent the abuse and allow on-the-spot penalties to be given by police and traffic wardens. Police have no powers to inspect the holder's photograph on the badges. The abuse also has to be treated as fraud and takes up too much time for an investigation, the group said.

Badges have increasingly been given out on a discretionary basis and some councils require only a doctor's letter.