Ealing Council has taken more than 88 people to court, in the past 18 months, for illegally using blue badges issued to people with disabilities.

Since April 2021, the council's fraud investigation team examined more than 3,000 blue badges and seized more than 80 badges on suspicion of misuse. Dozens of fines have been issued for vehicles that misuse the blue badge - and six of those vehicles have been confiscated.

The blue badge allows drivers who need extra assistance to park closer to home or their destination. They can only be used by the named badge holder who is traveling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger. Misuse is a criminal offence and can result in a maximum fine of £1,000 and even a prison sentence.

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Southall residents are also encouraged to remain vigilant following reports of recent thefts of blue badges from vehicles. Victims are advised to report it to the police.

Even so, residents are advised not to remove their badges from vehicles as the council enforces all permits in the borough including blue badges.

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: "We want to ensure that blue badges are available to the people who really rely on them for support. That is why we always take tough action against people who commit fraud."

"Our officers inspect and investigate in streets and town centres across the borough tracking down cases of misuse, taking fraudulent blue badges off our streets and fining and prosecuting individuals found to be breaking the law."

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She added: "People may think they are doing no harm if they quickly use a blue badge that does not belong to them, but what these drivers need to realise is that they are usually blocking someone with mobility problems from being able to park and are breaking the law."

"We will continue to work alongside the police to tackle misuse and fine and prosecute offenders wherever possible."

"We have seen an increase in thefts of blue badges in the borough recently. We urge local people to stay alert and report anything suspicious to the police."

Residents who suspects someone of using a blue badge fraudulently, or who would like to report a blue badge as being lost or stolen is asked to call 020 8825 8161.