The latest figures from the Department of Transport confirmed that thefts of Blue Badge parking permits have risen again, despite efforts to prevent misuse. The benefits of free and convenient parking, not to mention exemption from the London congestion charge, can add up to thousands of pounds worth of advantage for unscrupulous people.
Councils promise to come down hard on anyone they catch: there were 985 successful prosecutions last year, compared with 565 the year before. However, as they largely depend on members of the public tipping them off about misuse of permits, people with non-visible disabilities once again have to worry about overzealous citizens challenging their right to a disabled parking space...