Croydon Council has secured convictions against seven individuals for the misuse of Blue Badges, reinforcing its strict approach to safeguarding accessible parking for disabled residents.
The offences, prosecuted at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, have resulted in fines, court costs, and victim surcharges totalling nearly £6,000. Each offender now has a criminal record, which may affect future employment in certain sectors.
Cases include Shantana Hines of Loampit Vale, who used a badge without the holder present and was fined £732, and Ngabo Bugimbi of Sutton, who used another person’s badge while collecting items from work, resulting in a £1,040 penalty. Hamid Ghani of Briar Avenue was ordered to pay £1,180 for using a stolen badge, while Lavonica Latifat Steele Egbonwon of Cairo New Road received a £440 fine for similar misuse.
Paige Sheldon Gordon of Whitehorse Lane was convicted for using a counterfeit badge and ordered to pay £1,120. Aiaz Khan of Wallington pleaded guilty to using someone else’s badge and was fined £540, while Wellington Wilson of Warbank Crescent faced a £760 penalty for employing a stolen badge.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry highlighted the importance of these convictions in protecting genuine Blue Badge holders. He said, “These convictions show we are actively enforcing against those who abuse Blue Badges in Croydon. This behaviour takes advantage of residents with mobility issues, and it will not be tolerated. Anyone caught abusing the rules can expect firm action, significant financial penalties and a criminal conviction.”
The Council’s ongoing crackdown includes penalties for using counterfeit, cancelled, or deceased persons’ badges, as well as lost or stolen ones. Since May, over 90 people have been challenged, 32 vehicles seized, misused badges confiscated, and Penalty Charge Notices issued. Of the seized vehicles, 29 were returned to their owners, while three unclaimed vehicles have been destroyed. Release of a seized vehicle carries a cost of £360, plus daily storage fees of £55.
Blue Badge misuse often involves attempts to avoid small parking charges, yet offenders face far higher financial and legal consequences. Mayor Perry emphasised that 20 further prosecutions are scheduled before March 2026.
The Council advises that Blue Badges should only be displayed when the badge holder is present, or when collecting or dropping them off. Running errands without the holder in the vehicle constitutes misuse. Residents are encouraged to report suspected abuse via the Love Clean Streets app, rather than confronting individuals directly, recognising that not all disabilities are visible.
