Abuse and fraudulent use of Blue Badges undermines public confidence in the scheme and means that fewer spaces are available for those using their valid Badges correctly.
New powers issued by the Department of Transport now permit a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) to inspect a Blue Badge on display. This is to help ensure that Blue Badges are only being used by those entitled to do so and that the conditions of the badge are being followed.
If a Blue Badge is discovered being used inappropriately then a Penalty Charge Notice may be issued.
If a CEO's request to view a Blue Badge is refused then the vehicle will be treated as not displaying a Blue Badge and a Penalty Charge Notice may be issued.
All relevant information relating to this scheme is available on the Department of Transports webpage.
Please click on the links below for further information and downloadable leaflets.
The Blue Badge Scheme - Explanatory Booklet|
The Blue Badge Scheme ' Guidance for Blue Badge Holders and their drivers on the power to inspect Blue Badges being displayed on motor vehicles'.|
The Blue Badge Scheme 'Guidance on the inspection and enforcement of blue badges for police, traffic wardens, local authority parking attendants, civil enforcement officers and issuing local authorities'.|
If you do have any queries regarding our CEO Blue Badge Inspections, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Parking Services team on (0191) 433 3155 or by email at ParkingandRegulation@gateshead.gov.uk| (please create link to e-mail)