Oxfordshire Council Secures Convictions in Latest Blue Badge Misuse crackdown
OXFORD, UK – September 25, 2024 - Oxfordshire County council’s counter fraud team has continued its enforcement efforts against blue badge misuse, resulting in convictions for two individuals at Oxford Magistrates’ Court last week. Teh cases highlight the council’s commitment to protecting the blue badge scheme for those who legitimately rely on it.
Azeem Ansari, 44, of Kennington Road, Oxford, and Lauren Bell, 38, of poplar Close, Garsington, both pleaded guilty to illegally using blue badges to park in Oxford city center on January 20, 2025.
Ansari was found to be using a badge that had been cancelled following the death of its rightful owner – his grandmother. District Judge acknowledged Ansari didn’t intend to defraud, but made a “conscious decision” believing he wouldn’t be caught. He was fined £576, with a £230.40 victim surcharge, and the council was awarded £1,787.50 in costs.
Bell was using a badge reported lost by its owner. She received a £400 fine, a £160 victim surcharge, and the council was awarded £500 in costs.
“The blue badge system is there for people who rely on it to help them remain mobile and independent,” said Councillor Dan Levy,Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Finance,Property and Change.”Those who abuse it deny vital parking spaces to people who really need them the moast.Valid blue badges enable people to access goods and services and park near workplaces, supermarkets and health facilities. That is why we, as a council, will continue to take enforcement action to stop those misusing this service.”
These convictions follow similar prosecutions in December and January, demonstrating the council’s ongoing commitment to tackling blue badge fraud. Misuse of a blue badge is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record.
The council emphasizes that enforcement isn’t solely punitive; it also aims to raise awareness of the scheme’s importance and the impact misuse has on genuine badge holders, perhaps preventing access to essential services like medical appointments and grocery shopping. A third case related to blue badge misuse has been adjourned until November.
