Woman ordered to pay £3,600 for misuse of driver’s Blue Badge

Drivers are being reminded not to abuse or misuse a Blue Badge provided for a person with disabilities, after a Telford resident was ordered to pay more than £3,600 in fines and costs for displaying a Blue Badge that didn’t belong to her.

In a case brought by Shropshire Council, Amy Tinkler was charged with two offences for displaying a Blue Badge (which was not hers) without the Blue Badge holder being present, whilst parked on double yellow lines in Priory Road, Shrewsbury; and for failing to hand the badge to a civil enforcement officer for inspection when required to do so.

At Telford Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 11 March 2024) Amy Tinkler was fined £500 for each offence, and ordered to pay a victims surcharge of £400 and costs of £2,234.35 – a total of £3,634.35.

The defendant wasn’t in attendance and the Court agreed to proceed in her absence.

Chris Schofield, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said:-

“Shropshire Council provides on-street parking concessions for Blue Badge holders to help people with disabilities to park closer to their destination.

“The council is committed to supporting those entitled to Blue Badge parking concessions. However, abuse and misuse of the Blue Badge is a criminal offence, and we will take enforcement action where we can against those who do so.

“Without such consequences, a scheme designed to help those qualifying for a Blue Badge risks falling into disrepute; and the public who abide by parking restrictions will become disillusioned if they see parking controls designed to help, being flouted and abused.”

For further advice on parking controls and the use of Blue Badges, visit the Shropshire Council website.

People can also visit the council website to report the misuse of a Blue Badge, or to report illegal parking.