Alison StephensonLocal Democracy Reporting Service
BBCMore than 2,000 fines have been issued to drivers parking in disabled bays without a valid blue badge since 2019, new data has revealed.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Plymouth City Council revealed 2,637 fines were issued between 2019 and 2024 for misuse of disabled parking spaces.
The FOI request, submitted by automotive retailers Evans Halshaw, said drivers were fined £70 if they parked in a disabled parking bay without a blue badge.
It revealed the number of fines in 2024 were 744, up from 491 in 2023.
In 2022, 456 fines were issued, 271 in 2021, 183 in 2020 and 492 in 2019.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said over the five-year period there were 155 repeat offenders who were fined more than once for parking in a disabled bay without eligibility.
A spokesperson for the council said Blue Badge misuse was not just a criminal offence, it prevented genuine badge holders from being able to park and was “unfair” on many motorists who respected the rules.
They said: “We will continue to work with the police to uncover blue badge fraud in Plymouth and prosecute those responsible.
“Where appropriate, this may include increased patrols in car parks where there are more disabled bays, particularly at times and locations where users report problems.”
Julie Wallman, divisional marketing director at Evans Halshaw, added: “Disabled parking bays exist to ensure safe and accessible travel for people with limited mobility, whether they’re heading to a supermarket, medical appointment, or just going about their day.
“When drivers use these spaces without a Blue Badge, it reduces availability for those who genuinely need them.”
“These figures show just how common this issue is across Plymouth City Council and the rest of the UK, and highlight the importance of keeping accessible spaces available, particularly as more people rely on mobility solutions to support independent living.”
