A MONTH-long campaign to stop misuse of parking permit badges meant for disabled drivers is to be launched in Darlington next week.

The scheme allows disabled badge holders to use reserved parking places in the town.

Similar campaigns have been carried out since the scheme's launch two years ago and they aim to highlight the concerns of Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) that badges are being misused by non-disabled drivers.

The scheme has been welcomed by the organisation, which campaigns for the disabled people's rights.

Gordon Pybus, chairman of Darlington Association on Disability, said: "We get a lot of complaints about badge misuse causing parking problems for disabled drivers.

"The campaign is about educating people who may not be aware of these problems and taking enforcement action is a last resort.

"Genuine badge holders have nothing to fear and the majority of them are co-operating fully and have helped past campaigns achieve a high level of success."

The campaign will run from today until December 21 and it will begin with an education and warning period.

Anyone found misusing a badge after that time will risk having their badge withdrawn or a fine of up to £1,000.

Last year's scheme saw a number of drivers reprimanded.

Some offenders also had their permit badges confiscated.

DAD, Darlington council, police and traffic wardens will lead the campaign during which badge users may be asked to verify their entitlement to a badge.

Although widely known as orange badges, since April 2000 their colour has changed to conform with European Blue Badge scheme.

Darlington council said the campaign was about raising awareness and warned drivers who misuse badges that penalties are severe.

Many offenders make use of disabled permit badges that have not been issued to them, using up parking spaces intended for legitimate drivers.

Organisers of the scheme said that often left disabled people frustrated because they could not find a parking space within easy reach of the town centre.

Badge users can help police, traffic wardens and council car park wardens, throughout the campaign by showing full details of their badge, including photograph, when requested.