Blitz on blue badge cheats

Paul Mangham, of Machin Drive, Rawmarsh, was fined a total of £185—£120 fine, £50 costs and £15 victim surcharge—for using his neighbour's disabled pass, while Pamela Cowles, of Sandygate, Wath, was fined a total of £80—£40 fine, £25 costs, £15 victim surcharge—for using her mother's badge.

Mangham (54), parked his vehicle in a designated disabled bay on Drummond Street in the town centre last May and displayed the badge whilst the badge holder was not present.

Cowles (65) was prosecuted for committing the same offence in Percy Street, also in the town centre, in April.

Neither defendant was present at court or entered a plea, and both cases were proved in their absence. No mitigating evidence was submitted in either case.

The prosecutions are parking of Rotherham Borough Council's continuing crackdown on blue badge fraud.

The council’s parking services manager, Martin Beard, said: “I am delighted with this success.

“We are committed to continue our pursuit of blue badge frauds and we will prosecute whenever appropriate.”

Cllr Richard Russell, the council’s Cabinet member for Streetpride, added: “Some people think it's acceptable to use a blue badge which doesn't belong to them, but it's not.

“Even if they're using it to pop to the shops they're still potentially depriving someone who has genuine mobility problems of a much needed convenience.

“Blue badges are there for a reason.

“They remove some of the stress of travel from people, who otherwise potentially wouldn't leave their homes, and the parking spaces themselves cater especially for wheelchair access and extra wide door opening.

“We will remain relentless in our pursuit of these individuals who flout the law and continue to abuse this much needed and valuable amenities.

“We are watching and you will be prosecuted.”

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