Most cases of 'blue badge' fraud involve 'badge belonging to deceased relative'

Most of the 100 cases of 'blue badge' fraud uncovered in Northern Ireland last year involved the use of a deceased relative's badge.

According to the Department for Infrastructure, they prevent the fraudulent use of disability parking badges through monthly updates on registered deaths, with badges connected to deceased holders then cancelled.

But traffic wardens, who are trained to detect the fraudulent use of blue badges, are understood to have detected 100 cases last year where such badges were being used fraudulently.

READ MORE: Full details of eligibility for the blue badge parking scheme in NI

DfI told DUP MLA Michelle McIlveen following an Assembly question: "Most of these cases were for use of a Blue Badge belonging to a deceased relative. Once fraud is detected, a report is sent to the PSNI, who will take appropriate action."

She had asked Minister John O'Dowd to "detail... any assessment that has been made in relation to the number of blue badges which may still be in use despite the holder having died; and any steps he is taking to address this issue".

His response read: "The Government Records Office for Northern Ireland provides my Department’s Blue Badge Unit with a monthly report on registered deaths. This information is used to update the Blue Badge system whereby badges belonging to deceased holders are cancelled.

"Traffic Attendants are trained to detect Blue Badge fraud, and last year, over 100 cases were detected. Most of these cases were for use of a Blue Badge belonging to a deceased relative. Once fraud is detected, a report is sent to the PSNI, who will take appropriate action."

The PSNI has been contacted for comment.

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