Time running out for blue badge cheats

ANYONE using a disabled person’s Blue Badge illegally has until Friday to hand them in without fear of prosecution.
Warrington Borough Council’s Blue Badge amnesty expires then after a month-long campaign to stamp out unauthorised use of the badges in the town.
The badges can be handed in at Contact Warrington in Horsemarket Street,
Those who continue to misuse the badges risk being hit with a large fine and criminal record. Motorists who hand their badges over will have no further action taken against them.
Dave Thompson, founder and chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “The biggest issue is that people fraudulently use blue badges when they have no real need and this feeds the negative stereotype around their use. I’m afraid to say that the first thing that many people think when they see someone parked in a disabled bay, is
whether or not they really are disabled.
“I would encourage anyone who is using one of these permits illegally to hand it in.”
Cllr Russ Bowden, the borough council’s lead member for Corporate Finance, said: “There is still time for people to take advantage of the amnesty and hand their badges in. We are asking motorists not to use permits that don’t belong to them, have expired or are no longer required.
“We know that some people may not be aware that their badge has expired so it is important that they check the information on it.
“Others will be aware that what they are doing is illegal. My message to them is that – if you fail to hand your badge in before the end of the amnesty we will be taking action against you.”
Anyone who would like to report misuse of a Blue Badge should go to warrington.gov.uk/bluebadges and complete the online form.