Council steps up campaign to catch blue badge abusers

Helena Bartholomew, of Rowena Drive in Thurcroft, appeared before magistrates in Rotherham last Wednesday.

She admitted misusing the diabled parking badge in College Street, Rotherham.

In mitigation, Bartholomew said she used the badge for convenience, not to avoid parking charges.

She was fined £181, with £150 costs and an additional £15.

Cllr Richard Russell, Cabinet member for Streetpride, said that Rotherham Borough Council would be relentless in pursuing those who abuse the blue badge scheme.

“People park their vehicles and think ‘It’s just for a couple of minutes, what harm can it do?’

“But it does do harm, it directly effects some of the most vulnerable members of our society and considerably limits their mobility.

“Our parking enforcement officers are extra vigilant when it comes to the misuse of blue badges.

“Hopefully, this successful prosecution will make those who risk it realise that it simply doesn’t pay.”