Reading Borough Council issued over 2,000 penalties last year to drivers who violated regulations concerning designated disabled parking spaces, generating approximately £50,770 in revenue.
This information, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, highlights the ongoing issue of misuse within the Berkshire town. The majority of these infractions involved either individuals utilizing accessible bays without possessing a valid Blue Badge or Badge holders exceeding their allocated parking time.
Over the past four years (2020-2024), the council has issued a total of 8,111 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) related to improper use of disabled parking areas. A significant portion of these fines were concentrated on specific streets:
- Blagrave Street: 1,248 PCNs
- Kings Road: 1,095 PCNs
- Oxford Road: 1,089 PCNs
The highest volume of PCNs, reaching 2,501, occurred in 2023, indicating a rise in enforcement activity. In the most recent period (2023/24), 2,367 fines were issued for parking in on-street disabled spaces without a valid Blue Badge, while an additional 96 fines were levied in council car parks due to the same violation.
The council emphasized that any funds acquired through these penalties are legally obligated to be reinvested into transport infrastructure improvements throughout Reading. These initiatives include road resurfacing and enhanced safety measures.
“The Blue Badge scheme exists solely for the benefit of the designated holder,” stated a council representative. “Allowing unauthorized individuals – including family members, friends, or carers – to utilize the badge for parking privileges is strictly prohibited, even when performing errands on behalf of the Badge holder.”
According to regulations, the Blue Badge must be visibly displayed while parked and only used when the holder is actively leaving or returning to the vehicle. Misuse can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potential confiscation of the permit pending investigation.
UK law mandates that Blue Badges be displayed on the dashboard or facia panel, ensuring the holographic identifier is clearly visible through the front windscreen.
Enforcement is carried out by police officers, traffic wardens, parking attendants, and civil enforcement officers who have the authority to inspect Blue Badges at any time. Badge holders are legally required to present their badge upon request or risk violating the law.
