“I get infuriated with Blue Badge abuse…
“People often say, ‘I’ll only be here a minute,’ like that excuses it. But when someone takes an accessible parking space without needing it, they block someone else’s chance to get on with their day. For disabled people who rely on carers, or who only have a short window of energy because of pain or illness, missing that spot might mean missing the only opportunity they have to shop for essentials or collect medication. It’s not just selfish—it can be harmful and is definitely anti-social.
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| A man was jailed for repeatedly using stolen and lost Blue Badges to park illegally in Greenwich. |
| Blue Badge misuse takes vital parking spaces away from disabled people who genuinely need them. |
| Greenwich Council is actively prosecuting fraudulent use to protect accessible parking. |
Misusing Blue Badges Isn’t a Victimless Crime
Accessible parking is essential for many disabled people to work, attend medical appointments, or just go about daily life with some independence. But every time someone uses a Blue Badge fraudulently, it puts those essential spaces at risk. A recent court case in south-east London has made that crystal clear.
In the UK, thousands of Blue Badges are reported lost or stolen each year, creating a black market for fraudulent use. The Local Government Association has previously highlighted that the theft of Blue Badges has been a rising issue, with some areas seeing significant increases.
What Happened?
Ademola Akinkunmi, 32, from Dartford, was sentenced to six months in prison after being caught twice using Blue Badges that didn’t belong to him.
The first incident took place back in June 2022, when his Mercedes was spotted parked on College Approach in Greenwich using a badge that had been reported stolen. He was issued a penalty notice but paid only after an appeal. Then, in February 2024, he did it again—this time in Woolwich using a different Blue Badge that had been reported lost.
When questioned, Akinkunmi claimed he didn’t know who had been driving his car or what had happened to the badges. After a thorough investigation by Greenwich Council, he was charged with multiple counts of fraud. He pleaded guilty in August and was sentenced at Bromley Magistrates Court on 25 August 2025. He’ll also have to pay a victim surcharge.
Why This Matters
Blue Badge abuse directly impacts disabled people who need those parking spaces. It’s access to daily life.
As Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value at Greenwich Council, put it:
“Blue Badges are there to help people with serious mobility issues live their lives with independence and dignity. When someone misuses them, it isn’t just a rule being broken, it’s a parking space being stolen from a neighbour who really needs it.”
The Bigger Picture: Enforcing Fair Access
Unfortunately, fraudulent use of Blue Badges is more common than many realise. Lost or stolen permits often end up being sold or passed around to people who have no right to use them. This case is a reminder that local councils can and do take enforcement seriously.
Greenwich Council encourages the public to report suspected fraud confidentially by calling 0800 169 6975 or emailing fraud@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
How to Protect Your Blue Badge
Given that stolen Blue Badges are a key part of this problem, it’s worth taking steps to protect your own. Blue Badge protectors are a simple and effective way to prevent theft. These are lockable cases that you can fix to your steering wheel, making it much harder for thieves to snatch your permit from your dashboard.
It shouldn’t be necessary but it is the world we live in…
Not only do they deter opportunist thieves, but they also keep your badge safe from damage and ensure it’s clearly displayed. Investing in a protector is a small price to pay to avoid the stress and hassle of replacing a lost or stolen badge, and it helps cut off the supply for fraudsters like the one in this case.
A Quick Reminder: The Rules of Blue Badge Use
- The badge can only be used when the badge holder is driving, is a passenger, or is being picked up or dropped off.
- It’s illegal to let a friend or family member use the badge, even if you are running an errand for the badge holder.
- When parking, the badge must be clearly displayed on the dashboard with the photograph facing down.