BLUE Badges have been confiscated during targeted enforcement action to tackle misuse and fraud in disabled parking areas.

Hampshire County Council held the crackdown operation in the county, and confiscated 28 of the 100 badges inspected.

Infringements included people using someone else’s badge, people using a deceased person’s badge and using expired badges.

Those caught received a penalty charge notice and holders had badges confiscated and received a formal warning.

The council has been using new powers to target Blue Badge fraud.

The authority has stepped up partnership working with Hampshire’s district and borough councils who have responsibility for parking enforcement.

In total, around 70,000 people have Blue Badges in Hampshire, and each year, the council issues around 22,000 to ensure that people with the most severe mobility problems continue to be supported so they can get around more easily.

The Blue Badge Scheme is a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe mobility difficulties, who travel as either passengers or drivers, and it allows them to park close to their destination.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, councillor Roy Perry, said: “It is shocking to find out the lengths to which some people will go, for just a few hours of free parking - including using a deceased person’s Blue Badge.

“This is a national problem, but as the issuing authority for Blue Badges in Hampshire, we must ensure that they are being used correctly in the county by the people who really need them, and that disabled people are not competing with drivers who might be misusing or abusing the system. We are determined to protect the quality of life for our vulnerable residents.”

Helen Dolphin, director of policy and campaigns at Disabled Motoring UK, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Hampshire County Council is tackling Blue Badge abuse so successfully.

“Unfortunately abuse of this scheme is seen by many as a victimless crime and many authorities just sweep it under the carpet. However, when you have a disability which means you can only walk a very short distance, being able to park close to where you need to go, is essential.”