A Blue Badge crackdown in the Midlands has seen 900 drivers caught misusing permits so far. Nottingham City Council officers took part in the campaign between 11 and 15 May, which aimed to raise public awareness about the effect misuse has on disabled people.
Enforcement Actions
The council issued 132 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to vehicles parked in disabled bays without a valid badge and handed out 23 PCNs for Blue Badge misuse. Additionally, 21 enforcement cases were opened, with 16 warnings given. A total of 12 Blue Badges were seized, and eight motorists were interviewed.
Annual Statistics
Across the whole of the 2025/26 financial year, 926 cases of Department for Transport-defined Blue Badge misuse were recorded in Nottingham. Of these, 95 badges were still being used despite cancellation, 419 had expired, and 42 were fake. Furthermore, 822 PCNs were issued, 21 vehicles were towed away, and more than 400 motorists were questioned. Among them, 48 were prosecuted, 126 received formal warnings, and 109 cautions were issued.
Council Statement
Councillor Patience Ifediora, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “Blue Badge misuse directly affects disabled people – some of our most vulnerable residents – who rely on accessible parking in the city. When badges are used fraudulently or by those not entitled to them, it reduces the availability of accessible parking spaces for those who genuinely need them. This can lead to increased stress, reduced independence, and missed appointments or opportunities for disabled people.”
“Our enforcement teams operate in a fair and proportionate way, using education and engagement as much as possible, while partnership working also remains vital in tackling this issue. Ensuring the integrity of the scheme is therefore not only a matter of enforcement but also of equity, accessibility, and dignity for legitimate badge holders. We make no apology for holding those to account who misuse Blue Badges in our city.”
