Three prosecuted for blue badge misuse

Waseem Kazmi (46), of Middle Lane South, Rotherham, was convicted of using his son’s blue badge to park his car on Main Street in March while his son was in school.

Kazmi pleaded guilty by post when the case was heard at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court.

He was fined a total of £243, comprising a £73 penalty, £150 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Deborah Taylor (53), of Keppel Road, Sheffield, was convicted of using a blue badge to park her car in Douglas Street car park also in March.

The badge is registered to a lady for whom Taylor is a carer.

Taylor failed to appear in court but in her absence magistrates fined her a total of £400 and ordered her to pay £150 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Robert Dowling of Top Tree Way, Thrybergh, was convicted of using his partner’s blue badge to park his car in Wellgate North car park in February.

The badge holder was not present when the badge was used.

Dowling (55) pleaded guilty in his absence and magistrates ordered him to pay a £100 fine, costs of £300 and a £20 victim surcharge.

Following the cases at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court on July 29 RMBC parking services manager, Martin Beard, reminded blue badge holders not to let friends or family use the permit without the actual badge holder being present.

Mr Beard added: “We have prosecuted 79 cases since 2010, with more due in the future.

“Blue badges are for the benefit of the named badge holders only.

“They are not for individuals to get closer access to shops or to avoid paying parking fees as we need to keep the disabled parking bays free for the genuine holders of blue badges.

“If we catch drivers using blue badges without the named holder present, we will prosecute where it is in the public interest to do so.”