Number of motorists misusing blue badges increases

Motorists misusing blue badges for disabled drivers in Nottingham increased significantly in the last year, the city council has said.

The number of fake blue badges discovered rose to 40 in 2025 from 13 the previous year, while the use of blue badges assigned to drivers who had died increased from 53 to 121 in the same year.

Fines issued in court doubled to a total of more than £33,000 last year, while reports of suspected blue badge misuse increased by 20.4%.

Nottingham City Council said its annual figures reflect "a growing problem nationally", with its officers "taking decisive action to protect the city's disabled parking spaces for those who genuinely need them".

It is a criminal offence for anyone to use a badge they are not entitled to, with possible punishments for misuse including fines, confiscation and a criminal record.

The authority said 767 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued for "badge‑related contraventions", with 232 badges seized and 699 motorists questioned.

It is also set to introduce a 2026 blue badge awareness course, which it said will offer "educational diversion for first‑time or low‑level misuse cases as an alternative to prosecution".

Linda Woodings, the council's executive member for regional development, growth and transport, said: "It's really important to be clear that blue badge misuse is not a victimless offence.

"When badges are used fraudulently or by those not entitled, it reduces the availability of accessible parking spaces for those who genuinely need them.

"This can lead to increased stress, reduced independence and missed appointments or opportunities for disabled people."

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