Amnesty for fake parking permits and blue badges

A council is launching an amnesty for people to hand in concessionary blue badges, parking permits and bus passes that are being used fraudulently.

Brighton & Hove City Council said it wanted to give residents the opportunity to hand in passes, badges or permits they shouldn't be using, "no questions asked".

A Worthing resident with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), who wished to remain anonymous, said the action could not come soon enough, adding: "I can't tell you how often people that don't have blue badges park in disabled spaces."

Anyone with a pass, badge or permit that is out of date or that is being used incorrectly can take it to Hove Town Hall letterbox and Brighton Town Hall letterbox.

The resident with MS told BBC South East that he often had to confront people when trying to park his mobility car.

"If they don't have a good reason for parking there, then I tear a strip off them and give them a piece of my mind," he said.

MS is a condition that affects the central nervous system, and his symptoms include neuro muscular fatigue, he said.

Concessionary bus passes for older and disabled people are a lifeline for thousands of people in Brighton and Hove, the council said.

Councillor Trevor Muten urged people to take advantage of the amnesty, which will run throughout July and August.

"This type of fraud is not a victimless crime. It has a real impact on people who need them the most to get around Brighton and Hove," he said.

"I'd urge anyone with a pass, badge or permit they shouldn't have to hand it in or simply destroy it themselves."

In 2023-24, enforcement and investigation officers carried out monthly joint action days with Sussex Police as part of Operation Bluebird.

During that time, 279 blue badges were retained by officers due to misuse, 197 community resolution orders were completed and 56 prosecutions were issued for fraudulent use of a blue badge, the council said.

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