Fraud and misuse of the UK’s Blue Badge scheme have skyrocketed by more than 1000% in under a decade, in what is now being labelled a "serious and growing problem" that threatens the integrity of the system designed to support disabled motorists.

The scheme, which allows people with disabilities to park in designated accessible spaces and avoid certain restrictions, is being increasingly exploited by unscrupulous drivers. According to newly released figures, reported instances of Blue Badge misuse rose from the hundreds in 2016 to over 3,500 cases in 2023, a tenfold increase, MailOnline reported.

Meanwhile, in London alone, the number of Blue Badge thefts surged by 400% between 2014 and 2023. Victims are often those who rely on these permits to attend medical appointments, shop for essentials, or maintain social independence.

The British Parking Association issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that this abuse is “undermining the integrity of the scheme” and directly impacting the daily lives of vulnerable people. The association is now calling for tougher enforcement powers, including the introduction of penalties that reflect the real social impact of Blue Badge misuse.

“The statistics around the level of Blue Badge misuse and fraud are shocking,” said Alison Tooze, policy officer at the BPA.

“Perpetrators deprive genuine badge holders of their right to freedom while costing taxpayers millions each year. This must stop.”

Investigations conducted by National Blue Badge, an enforcement body working with councils, have uncovered a range of fraudulent activity, from intentional theft and forgery of badges sold online, to the misuse of permits belonging to deceased individuals.

The most common abuse, however, remains the casual “borrowing” of a relative’s badge, often viewed as harmless, but with serious consequences.

“For every badge being misused, a space is denied to someone who genuinely needs it,” the BPA stressed. “This could mean missing a doctor’s appointment, being unable to work, or losing access to vital community services.”

As of March 2023, there were 2.57 million Blue Badge holders in England, roughly one in twenty people. Yet enforcement of misuse has struggled to keep pace, with current penalties often seen as too lenient to serve as an effective deterrent.

The BPA is urging the Department for Transport to conduct a formal review into the civil and criminal penalties available and expand the resources councils need to crack down on this growing problem.

A spokesperson for the DfT responded to the figures: “Exploitation of the Blue Badge scheme is completely unacceptable – it is a vital resource helping many people travel with confidence. We are working closely with local authorities and police to strengthen enforcement and tackle fraud.”

With the scale of the problem now laid bare, campaigners say the time for awareness is over — and the time for action and accountability is long overdue.