Purge on disabled parking cheats

BBC News
Wednesday 22 March 06



Rogue motorists are using disabled badges for free city parking





Rogue motorists who illegally use bogus disabled badges to park for free in Edinburgh's city centre are to be targeted in a new crackdown.
A fraud prevention officer is being employed by the city council in a bid to catch parking cheats.
The new post will also see drivers, who use residents' parking permits but who do not live in the area, targeted.
The council will also tighten up the criteria for receiving a pass with the new officer monitoring on the streets.
Cllr Andrew Burns, Edinburgh's transport leader said: "Fraudulent use of parking permits is one of the most selfish and inconsiderate acts a motorist can do.
"We will use all available means to vigorously pursue these offenders and are tackling the problem head-on with an on-street fraud prevention officer.
"The majority of residents agree with this approach: 64% believe that we should crack down on those who flout parking regulations, which are there to allow fair access to parking and keep our city moving."
Cllr Burns said that disabled permits were often crucial to ensure people with disabilities could live independently.
"Those who abuse disabled permits were being highly disrespectful and affecting the quality of life of those who genuinely need the permits," he said.