A Westcliff resident was fined £500+ for using his wife’s blue badge to park illegally on double yellow lines.
Someone told the council about him back in December 2023. This person said Mr. Binns parked on double yellow lines regularly. The council investigated and confirmed the misuse. They warned him to stop, or he would face prosecution.
Later, in June 2024, the council received another complaint and officers reopened the case. An investigator saw Mr. Binns park illegally with no badge showing. Then, someone from his house put the badge on the dash.
Mr. Binns had an interview after further investigation, and he admitted he used his wife’s badge for his own ease. The court fined him £146. He had to pay £345 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £58 was also issued.
The council investigates blue badge misuse frequently and works with enforcement officers closely. Together, they identify and take action, targeting offenders to ensure spaces are available for those who truly need them.