Greener Ealing Ltd (GEL) and Ealing Council are delighted to be taking part in this year’s National Blue Badge Awareness Week from Monday 11th May to Friday 15th May, which brings Local Authorities together to protect the integrity of the National Blue Badge scheme.
The Blue Badge scheme plays a vital role in supporting disabled people to access services, maintain independence and park closer to their destinations. Protecting it helps to ensure that those who genuinely rely on it are not disadvantaged.
GEL has been providing parking services, including Blue Badge enforcement, for Ealing Council since April 2024. Our focus is to serve the community by promoting fair parking practices, to maximise parking availability for everyone, and to keep pedestrians, school children and their parents, cyclists and drivers safe.
What Is The Blue Badge Scheme?
The Blue Badge scheme is a national concessionary parking scheme run by local authorities and overseen by the Department for Transport. Its purpose is to help disabled people get safer, closer and more reliable access to services, work, healthcare and day to day life. The badge allows them (and their carers) to park in designated spaces, which are often closer to their destination.
Badges can only be used by the person they are issued to, or by someone transporting them. Misusing a blue badge is a criminal offence which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, and even prison for the more serious offence of using a stolen badge.
Improvements For Blue Badge Users
Earlier this year, the council introduced a package of changes to improve access and reduce costs for disabled residents:
- free Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) permits for blue badge holders now last 3 years instead of 1
- disabled bay permits are now free and renewed every 3 years. Previously, this was annually with a £35 fee
- Blue Badge applications are now free for residents who have a terminal illness, removing financial pressure for those facing extremely difficult circumstances
CPZ permits allow Blue Badge holders to park outside their home without needing to display a badge in their car, reducing thefts of badges left in cars overnight. These permits are only available to Blue Badge holders who live within a restricted parking area and are only valid within that specific zone.
If you have a disability, you can check if you are eligible for a Blue Badge on the government’s website. If you are eligible, you can apply on the council’s website.
If you suspect someone of using a Blue Badge fraudulently or want to report your Blue Badge as lost or stolen, report it on the council’s website.
Hundreds Prosecuted For Misuse Of Blue Badges
Unfortunately, misuse of Blue Badges is a serious problem. In April 2026, Jos Costa was ordered to pay more than £1,000 after he was caught using a stolen Blue Badge. His case is one of 12 brought last month by the council as part of a crackdown on blue badge fraud.
Tony Singh, the council’s Assistant Director of Sustainable Transport, said:
“Costa’s case is just one of 12 brought before the courts last month. The message is clear: if a blue badge has not been issued to you, do not use it. Even if misuse is claimed to be a mistake, it can still result in prosecution.”
Since April 2025, Ealing Council has successfully prosecuted 159 individuals for misusing Blue Badges, resulting in:
- £31,621 in fines
- £12,387 in victim surcharges
- £101,906 in council costs
Why Does It Matter?
Graham Footer, Chief Executive of Disabled Motoring UK, sums it up beautifully:
“For many disabled people, the Blue Badge scheme is fundamental to maintaining independence, dignity and confidence when travelling. Disabled Motoring UK is pleased to support the London Borough of Ealing and Greener Ealing Limited during the Blue Badge Awareness Week. Recognising their strong record in protecting the scheme, challenging misuse and standing up for disabled people who rely on accessible parking every day.”
National Blue Badge Awareness Week runs from Monday 11th May to Friday 15th May 2026.