Mary Reid

I really get cross when I see cars parked in disabled bays with no sign of a blue badge.  My mother has a blue badge and I know just how helpful it is when I take her out anywhere in the car. Anyone who uses up one of these valuable spaces when they are not entitled is acting in a thoroughly anti-social way.

But it seems that the abuse does not end there.  Non-disabled people 'borrow' blue badges from friends, and there is quite a trade in false blue badges. For some the attraction is the parking space near to a venue, for others free parking is the incentive.

So what can be done about it?  If there is a regular pattern to the abuse then we can always ask the parking patrols to come along at the relevant time. But most of the abuse is unpredictable.

The Police and Parking attendants are carrying out sweeps in the town centre during August. If you have a blue badge don't be offended if one of them checks whether you are the person entitled to use it, or looks closely at it to see whether it is genuine. Catching the blue badge abusers will make life just a little more comfortable for those who need them.

All about blue badges, how to apply for one and where to park.