Anti-fraud officers have seized six disabled parking badges in a day-long crackdown on drivers misusing blue badges.
Officers from the council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team carried out spot checks on 66 blue badges being displayed in parked cars in Chipping Barnet and Golders Green on Monday 13 June.
In total six badges were seized from drivers who were using them without the permit holder being present, two of which were being used by drivers despite the permit holder being deceased.
In some cases officers were able to carry out checks to establish that badge holders were in fact at home when the permit was being used.
Motorists caught during the operation could now face prosecution.
CAFT officers carrying out the spot checks were joined by police officers and a civil enforcement officer.
In total five parking penalty charge notices were issued during the operation.
As a result of the operation CAFT officers are now investigating 10 new cases of blue badge fraud.
Blue badges can only be used by the named badge holder, or by a person who has dropped off or is collecting the badge holder from the place where the vehicle is parked. It is a criminal offence for anyone else to use a blue badge in any other circumstances.
Since January this year CAFT officers have carried out 59 Blue Badge investigations.
Councillor Richard Cornelius, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “By using a blue badge fraudulently, motorists are denying someone in genuine need of a parking space.
“It’s not acceptable for anybody who isn’t the badge holder to use the permit without that person being present.
“Anyone caught misusing one of these badges can ultimately face prosecution and I hope this operation sends out a very clear message to anyone who might be considering parking with a badge they shouldn’t be using.”
To report a fraud call the fraud hotline 020 8359 2007 or visit the council website.