Since January 2024, North Somerset Council's parking services have taken action against 40 individuals for blue badge abuse.

Blue badges allow drivers or passengers with disabilities to park closer to their destinations. However, some people abuse this system - for example, using the badge when the badge holder isn't in the car with them. This is a criminal offence.

Since the start of this year, the council has:

• seized 40 blue badges for misuse
• prosecuted 17 individuals for blue badge abuse
• issued eight warnings
• issued fines totalling £8,635

The council is also actively investigating a further 17 cases.

Below are some of the most recent cases that North Somerset Council has successfully prosecuted:

• Gill Penberth, fined a total of £636 for using a blue badge when the badge holder wasn't present.
• Jordanna Rock, fined a total of £306 for using a blue badge when the badge holder wasn't present.
• Lee Young, fined a total of £508 for using a blue badge when the badge holder wasn't present.

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member for spatial planning, placemaking and economy, said: "We take blue badge abuse very seriously at North Somerset Council.

"Blue badges exist so we can make sure that those most in need can park closer to facilities, as we understand the difficulties some people have gaining access to town centres and the facilities they require. Misusing a blue badge means you're stopping someone from parking where they need to.

"Blue badge abuse is a crime. If you use someone else's blue badge when they aren't in the car with you, or if the badge is expired, you're breaking the law. This can lead to the holder having their badge confiscated, and you can be fined up to £1,000.

"You can find out more about how to use a blue badge on our website: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/usebluebadge."