Amnesty for illegal blue badge users at Warrington

PEOPLE illegally using blue badges to park in disabled bays and avoid parking charges are being given the opportunity to hand over their permits.
The amnesty marks the start of a crackdown by Warrington Borough Council on the illegal use of blue badges.
Anyone illegally using a blue badge can hand the permit in to Contact Warrington in Horsemarket Street between Monday next week and Friday July 29.
Those who continue to misuse blue badges risk being hit with a large fine and potential criminal record. However, motorists who hand their badges over during the month-long amnesty will have no further action taken against them.
Cllr Russ Bowden, the council’s lead member for corporate finance, said: “Using blue badges illegally causes problems for our residents who have a genuine need for them.
“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. It is important that you check and make use of the amnesty.
“Others will be aware that what they are doing is illegal. If you are using a blue badge fraudulently, I would urge you to take advantage of the amnesty and hand it in. If you fail to do so, we will be taking action against you.”
Anyone who would like to report misuse of a blue badge can do so at www.warrington.gov.uk/bluebadges and complete the online form.