Blue Badge crackdown

Police officers can now immediately identify people who misuse the Blue Badge Scheme as they can access real-time information on the scheme’s database.
Deputy chief constable of Police Scotland Rose Fitzpatrick said abuse of permits makes life harder for people who need to have access to a range of place, including medical centres.
She said: “The Blue Badge scheme is an important resource for people who really need it.
“Abuse of the scheme can be as simple as a driver using a disabled relative’s badge contrary to its conditions or failing to return a badge when the user no longer needs it.
“Working in partnership with local authorities across the country, our officers will now be able to verify instantly any Blue Badge issued anywhere in Scotland. This means that we will be able to tackle those people who selfishly, and sometimes fraudulently, abuse the Blue Badge scheme.”
The collaboration has been welcomed by the Government, with Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay calling it a ‘a fantastic tool’.