- Nearly 3,000 blue badges were reported as stolen in England last year
- That compares with only about 650 badges stolen in 2013, figures show
- The badges are in demand because holders get substantial parking discounts
Thefts of parking permits for disabled motorists have quadrupled in the past four years, new figures show.
Some 2,921 blue badges were reported stolen in England last year, compared with 656 in 2013, the Department for Transport reports.
They are sought after because badge holders may park free of charge in pay and display bays and park for up to three hours on yellow lines, as well as using disabled spaces. In London holders can also apply for congestion charge exemption.
Blue badges are in demand because holders may park free of charge in pay and display bays and park for up to three hours on yellow lines, as well as using disabled spaces
There are plans afoot to make blue badges available to a million more people with ‘hidden’ disabilities
Last year English councils took legal action against 1,131 motorists for blue badge misuse.
A Local Government Association spokesman said: ‘For disabled people, blue badges are a vital lifeline that helps them get out and about to visit shops or family and friends.’
About 2.4 million disabled people in England have a blue badge. Last month the DfT announced plans to make them available to a million more with ‘hidden’ disabilities.