Disabled parking bay fines up 91% in five years

A Freedom of Information request showed 24,837 fines have been issued in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole since 2019

The number of fines handed out by a council to drivers misusing disabled parking bays has increased by 91% in the last five years.

Data from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed a total of 24,837 were issued in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole since 2019.

The fines were for both on and off-street parking, with a total of 5,632 issued in 2024 to drivers who parked in disabled bays without a blue badge.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: "The misuse of disabled parking spaces makes it more difficult for those in genuine need to access our parks, beaches and high streets.

"The increase in fines given out over the last few years shows how committed the council is to ensuring those that park irresponsibly and inconsiderately will face the appropriate penalty."

In total 4,438 fines were issued for misuses of on street disabled parking, with 1,194 for off street parking missuses.

Over the last five years, nearly £800,000 has been paid in fines, a majority of which comes from off-street parking.

Julie Wallman, from Evans Halshaw, which put in the FOI, said: "These figures show just how common this issue is across Bournemouth and the rest of the UK."