WIDESPREAD abuse of the Blue Badges for disabled drivers in Hampshire has been revealed by a county council investigation.

Officers found that nearly a third of the badges, that allows for easier parking, were being misused.

A crackdown was launched in October to tackle misuse and fraud in disabled parking areas.

In operations in Eastleigh, Winchester and Andover 28 of the 100 badges were confiscated.

Infringements included people using someone else’s badge; people using a dead person’s badge, and use of expired badges.

Those caught received penalty charge notices, had badges confiscated and got formal warnings.

The county council has revealed it is using new powers to target the fraud. It has also teamed-up with Portsmouth City Council’s Blue Badge enforcement team, as well as working with district and borough councils who have responsibility for parking enforcement.

Investigator Steven Hewett said the most common excuse was “I am picking up stuff for the badge holder.” Offenders ranged in age from mid-20s to 70.

Those caught received penalty charge notices, had badges confiscated and got formal warnings. Investigations with a view to prosecuting four of five offenders under the theft and fraud acts are ongoing, said Mr Hewett.

Serial offenders can save thousands of pounds a year by avoiding normal charges.

Steven Hewett, of Portsmouth City Council, undertook the investigation with a colleague. They patrolled the three towns checking cars in four-hour stretches.

Challenging offenders, Mr Hewett said most tried to lie their way out of trouble, telling convoluted stories.

He said offenders were across the age and social spectrum.

Roy Perry, council leader, said: “It is shocking to find out the lengths to which some people will go, for just a few hours of free parking - including using a deceased person’s Blue Badge.

“This is a national problem, but as the issuing authority for Blue Badges in Hampshire, we must ensure that they are being used correctly by the people who really need them, and that disabled people are not competing with drivers who might be misusing or abusing the system.

“We are determined to protect the quality of life for our vulnerable residents.”

Disabled Motoring UK backed the crackdown. Helen Dolphin, director of policy and campaigns, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Hampshire is tackling Blue Badge abuse, so successfully.

“Unfortunately abuse of this scheme is seen by many as a victimless crime and many authorities just sweep it under the carpet. However, when you have a disability which means you can only walk a very short distance, being able to park close to where you need to go, is essential.

“I hope Hampshire’s excellent work continues so this scheme can return to being one which helps and improves the lives of disabled people, and not just those who are too lazy to walk that little bit further.”

The breakdown of abusers shows the problem is worst in Andover:

Eastleigh, four confiscated out of 30 checks (Misuse, 3, Expired, 1); Winchester, five confiscated out of 30 (Misuse, 3, Expired, 2); Andover, 19 confiscated out of 40 (Counterfeit, 1, Use of deceased person’s badge, 2, Misuse, 5, Expired, 11).