DOZENS of able-bodied motorists are being sanctioned each month in Scotland's largest city for using a blue badge to park in spots reserved for disabled drivers.
A crackdown launched by parking wardens in Glasgow following the introduction of new powers has snared more than hundreds of drivers since May, resulting in 200 permits being confiscated.
Almost 100 vehicles have also been impounded in the clampdown following the introduction of fresh legislation earlier this year allowing parking attendants to confiscate blue badge and issue fines up to £1,000 if they suspect it is being used by someone other than the badge-holder.
Permits can also be seized if they are revealed to belong to someone who has died, or if they have been reported stolen.
The scheme is a service for disabled people which allows them access to parking bays situated closer to businesses, shops and other community services such as hospitals and clinics. It is used by around 230,000 motorists in Scotland.
Bailie Elaine McDougall, the city council's executive member for Transport, Environment and Sustainability, said that the change to the law helps officers tackle the illegal use of blue badges across the city.
Bailie McDougall said: “What these figures tell us is that there are many people out there who think they can get away with using someone else’s blue badge.
“The rules on the misuse of blue badges are very clear. It is an offence to use a blue badge unless it is for the benefit of the badge holder.
“Those who abuse the scheme are depriving disabled people of opportunities the rest of society take for granted. The new legislation allows our parking attendants to address cases of misuse far more effectively. "
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