City of York Council joined local authorities across the country to crack down on Blue Badge misuse during National Blue Badge Awareness Week.
On 14 May 2026, a total 80 badges were checked across several locations in the city. Two potential instances of misuse were identified and are now under investigation.
Officers from the Council and Veritau, the organisation responsible for investigating fraud against the Council, worked together to inspect badges throughout the day.
Misuse of a Blue Badge can occur in various ways. This includes:
- using someone else’s badge without the badge holder being present continuing to use a badge issued to someone who has died
- displaying a badge that has expired, reported lost or stolen.
Offenders risk prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.
The Council’s Blue Badge Days of Action have run since May 2023. They’ve checked a total 598 Blue Badges, with 17 potential instances of misuse identified in York.
Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Equality and Inclusion and with portfolio for fraud, said:
“We are committed to ensuring that these badges are used legitimately and uphold the rights of the 7,200 York residents who hold Blue Badges.
“Days of action like this benefit disabled motorists by helping to stamp out Blue Badge fraud and misuse. It’s encouraging to see this relatively low level of suspected misuse. It suggests that people parking in the city centre are largely respecting this scheme and that genuine Blue Badge holders are more likely to be able to find the accessible parking they need.”
If you suspect fraud, please report it to the council’s counter fraud team, Veritau, immediately on 0800 9179 247 or fraud@york.gov.uk.