Report Blue Badge fraud or misuse

Find out how to report Blue Badge fraud or misuse and information about Operation Bluebird.

The Blue Badge scheme is designed to ensure parking spaces are available for disabled people. Each Blue Badge belongs to one person.

It can be used with any vehicle that the badge holder is travelling in. The badge must not be used when the badge holder is not there.

The following information helps us to deal with misuse:

  • the Blue Badge reference number, expiry date and who it was issued by
  • registration number of the vehicle displaying the badge is displayed
  • where the vehicle is usually parked.

Operation Bluebird - Blue Badge enforcement

East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and Sussex Police are working together to tackle Blue Badge misuse.

There are around 37,000 Blue Badges issued to residents with both local authorities.

Blue Badge misuse stops disabled people being able to park close to their destination. It also means councils have less money to spend on services.

Surplus parking income is used to pay for transport and travel related projects such as concessionary travel for the disabled.

Funding has been awarded to employ dedicated Blue Badge Investigators and action days with Sussex Police.

Misuse of a badge by someone who is not disabled is an offence under section 115 and section 117 of the Road Traffic Act 1984. 

Blue Badge offenders could be prosecuted and receive a fine of up to £1,000. There may also be a penalty imposed for any parking offence.