Rise in misuse of blue badges after owners' deaths

The council said using a cancelled badge is an offence

More than 70 cases of people fraudulently using blue badges which were cancelled following the holder's death have been reported so far in 2025 in Nottingham.

There were a total of 53 cases confirmed in 2024, according to Nottingham City Council, but this year's total currently stands at 73 as of August.

The majority of these cases involved friends or relatives of the deceased badge holder, the city council added.

The council said using a cancelled badge is an offence and drivers caught face a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), potential vehicle removal, and legal action.

The authority added that since the start of 2025, it had identified almost 500 cases of blue badge misuse - with more than 400 PCNs issued and 117 badges seized.

The city council's website said police officers, traffic wardens, parking attendants and civil enforcement officers had the power to inspect the badge.

It added members of the public could report misuse of the blue badge scheme confidentially on their website.

City councillor Linda Woodings said: "The council is absolutely committed to protecting this vital scheme, which supports people with genuine mobility needs. Fraudulent use is not only illegal, but selfish and unfair.

"It directly undermines the whole purpose of the scheme, which is to support people with significant mobility impairments.

"When badges are used fraudulently or by those not entitled, it reduces the availability of accessible parking spaces for those who genuinely need them.

"This can lead to increased stress, reduced independence and missed appointments or opportunities for disabled people."