A ROYSTON man has been prosecuted after pleading guilty to using an expired blue badge in Barnsley town centre.
David Atkinson, 55, of West End Avenue, appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Monday having used the badge without the holder being present.
He was fined and ordered to pay a total of £174.
Coun Alan Gardiner, cabinet spokesperson for core services, said: “We’re committed to taking action against blue badge fraud and misuse.
“We want to send out a clear message to people of the consequences for misusing a blue badge.
“It’s a criminal offence that could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and confiscation of the badge.
“Our corporate anti-fraud team continues to investigate reports of misuse of blue badges and has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misuse of badges and, wherever appropriate, submit cases for prosecution.
“Most blue badge holders use their badges legitimately, but a minority misuse them for their benefit.
“This means fewer disabled parking bays are available for those who really need them.”
