Fraudster fined after using dead mother's Blue Badge to beat the school run

Following an investigation by Hillingdon Council's counter-fraud team, Carly Kent, 43, of Chancel Close, was convicted of misuse of a disabled person's badge during a hearing at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on 20 June. 

The court was told the defendant had indicated her guilty plea by submitting a form in the post. 

The counter-fraud team had been deployed to Uxbridge on 14 November 2022, after being alerted to suspected Blue Badge misuse during pick-up times at a local school, by colleagues in the council's parking services team.

The team later discovered Kent using the Blue Badge to park on double-yellow lines, without the badge holder present, the court was told. The counter-fraud team's investigation revealed the badge belonged to Kent's deceased mother, but it wasn't until she was interviewed under caution that Kent admitted displaying the badge. 

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, said: "We're committed to ensuring vulnerable adults in Hillingdon can live active and independent lives. 

"This is an appalling case. The misuse of Blue Badges is just not acceptable. It prevents our most vulnerable residents and visitors who have genuine needs from parking within easy access to the local businesses and services they rely on. 

"We'll always do everything in our power to clampdown on fraudsters, take action and stamp out this selfish behaviour in our borough."  

Kent was ordered to pay a fine of £440, a victim surcharge of £176 and the council's prosecution costs of £2,342.  

If you suspect someone is misusing a Blue Badge, you can report it on 0800 389 8313, or by emailing fraud@hillingdon.gov.uk.