An extensive investigation into disabled parking badges by Barnet Council has found 17 cases of fraudulent use.

Last week, officers from the council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT), parking officers and police carried out a two-day crackdown on misuse of blue badges, which permit free parking for disabled people.

Checks carried out on 103 blue badges being displayed in parked cars in and around the Burnt Oak, Mill Hill, Temple Fortune and Finchley Central areas found 17 badges being misused – the largest amount this year.

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The operation saw 13 badges seized, two of which were being used despite the fact the permit holders had died and two had been reported stolen.

The drivers caught breaking the blue badge rules could now face prosecution.

Blue badges can only be used by the named badge holder or someone dropping off or picking up the holder.

Blue badges have long been a contentious issue in Barnet, with many cases of people caught misusing the passes while others fall afoul of the small print rules they must follow.

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Councillor Richard Cornelius, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “This excellent result serves as a warning to anyone who thinks they can use a blue badge which is not rightfully theirs.

“Blue badges are given to our residents in genuine need and we will take a firm line on anyone who exploits the system for personal gain.

“Since April, our CAFT have investigated 103 cases of blue badge fraud and we will continue to clamp down with further spot checks around the borough.”

The operation also resulted in 22 parking penalty charge notices being issued – 16 related to blue badge misuse and a further six for parking related contraventions.