No prosecutions for blue badge fraud from Rochdale Council

Rochdale Council has not prosecuted anyone for blue badge fraud in the past three years.

It was recently reported that prosecutions across the UK had doubled in the past three years but Rochdale Council has confirmed that this has not been the case in the borough of Rochdale.

Out of figures released, Manchester City Council had more than 500 prosecutions, with a 100% conviction rate, over the last five years.

Figures also showed that there were 686 successful council prosecutions last year, up from 330 in 2010.

Prosecutions for blue badge fraud include people using a dead relative’s badge, or people using the badge when the disabled person is not with them.

The Local Government Association (LGA) stated that professionals such as architects and lawyers were amongst the offenders.

The blue badge scheme which operates nationwide allows holders to park for free in pay and display areas and for up to three hours on yellow lines.

At least two million disabled people hold blue badges across the UK.