2:43pm Tuesday 9th February 2010
PARKING authorities are promising to clamp down on drivers who abuse a disabled parking scheme.
A number of blue badges have been seized in recent weeks after motorists in Durham City were caught flouting the rules.
Durham County Council says there has recently been a rise in the number of complaints about the misuse of badges in the city in recent months and the police and NSL Ltd, the private company which enforces parking restrictions on behalf of the council, are to crackdown on the problem.
The penalty for parking in the bays illegally can be as much as £1,000.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Coun Neil Foster, said: "I think what people who breach the rules forget is that by taking up a bay designated for disabled use they are making life more difficult for other people who may be in greater need.
"Displaying a fake or stolen badge, or one which is not designated for use by the person using the car, is a criminal offence and it concerns both the public at large and us, as the council.
"You could face a fine of up to £1,000, so ask yourself, is it really worth, it when you can park legally in any of our pay and display parking bays all over the city."
Anyone wanting more information about parking rules or blue badge regulations should call the council’s Parking Services Team on 0191 383 3442.
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