DRIVERS who fraudulently used blue badges to park in Hart have been caught out in a recent clampdown.

During October, Hart District Council took part in a county-wide crackdown, retaining nine blue badges having inspected more than 50. Infringements included using someone else’s badge, using a stolen badge and the use of expired badges.

As reported by The Gazette, Hampshire County Council carried out a similar operation last month, confiscating 28 of the 100 badges inspected in the county.

Geoff Hislop, parking enforcement manager at Hart District Council, said: “Disabled parking spaces are one of our top priorities in the enforcement activities we undertake in the district.

“It’s important we get the message out to drivers that they run the risk of both a penalty charge notice and possible prosecution for misuse of a national scheme that is important to those who need a blue badge space.”