A CRACKDOWN on people who misuse disabled parking permits is being launched following an agreement between police and councils.
Officers have been granted access to the Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBIS) database, which will enable them to instantly identify abusers of the scheme.
The material will aid enforcement of the provisions, preventing selfish or fraudulent drivers from exploiting the system. However, the administration and management of the scheme will remain the responsibility of local authorities.
Abuses of the scheme can include instances where drivers use a relative's blue badge when inappropriate to do so, or fail to return a badge when it is no longer needed.
There are estimated to be around 230,000 people in Scotland making use of the permits, while a survey by Transport Scotland found that 83 per cent of users had experienced misuse of blue badges or disabled parking spaces.
Susan Grasekamp, chief executive officer of the Scottish Disability and Equality Forum, said: “We are delighted that Police Scotland is taking the issue of Blue Badge misuse seriously.
"The access to the BBIS database means that the right people are able to use the badge and that it is not open to abuse.”
Transport Minister Derek Mackay added: “Misuse of the scheme can have a significant impact on the lives of badge holders throughout Scotland that is why I am pleased Police Scotland is working collaboratively with local authorities to send a clear message that abuse of the scheme will not be tolerated.”
Drivers with mobility issues are afforded the right to park closer to amenities within town centres under the Disabled Person’s Parking Badges (Scotland) Act 2014, which came into force last March.
The scheme applies only to on-street parking, whereas off-street car parks at supermarkets, hospitals and those provided by the local authority are governed by separate regulations.
The scheme remains crucial to aid the mobility and independence of disabled motorists, with previous research conducted by Transport Scotland finding that 76 per cent of blue badge holders admitted they would go out less often if they were without their badge. Many felt they would not be able to go out at all.
In March last year, councils were given powers to confiscate badges if an abuse of the scheme had been suspected. Between May and November last year, 200 drivers were sanctioned by Glasgow City Council alone.
Misuse of the blue badge scheme can also lead to a £1,000 fine, along with additional penalties for any related traffic offence.
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said: “The Blue Badge scheme is an important resource for people who really need it. Those who abuse the scheme make life harder for people who need to have access to places such as medical centres and social facilities.
"It is important that people realise not only are they making life harder for others, but they may also be committing fraud, if they use a Blue Badge to obtain free parking to which they are not entitled.
"Working in partnership with local authorities across the country, our officers will now be able to verify instantly any Blue Badge issued anywhere in Scotland. This means that we will be able to tackle those people who selfishly, and sometimes fraudulently, abuse the Blue Badge scheme."
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