Motorist parked in disabled bay using husband’s badge

A motorist falsely used her husband’s Blue Badge to park in a disabled parking bay because she could not find anywhere else to park, a court has been told.

Memzel Bush ( 55), of Peterborough Road, Farcet, admitted committing the offence in Cattle Market Road on November 22 when she appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

The court was told that a Peterborough City Council civil enforcement officer fixed a penalty charge to a car displaying a Blue Badge but the “clock” used to indicate when the car was parked, was not showing.

After issuing the ticket, the defendant, who did not appear to be disabled, returned to the vehicle.

The civil enforcement officer inspected the badge and established that it belonged to Bush’s husband who was not with her.

Bush was interviewed and admitted that she used the Blue Badge to park for free as she was in a rush and could not find a space to park and pay.

Bush, who claims benefits, was given a 12- month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £ 100 towards costs and the £ 15 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the case, Cllr David Seaton, cabinet member for resources, said: “Blue Badges are issued to assist the holder, or the driver of the vehicle the holder is travelling in, to park closer to amenities.

“People who park in spaces designated for people with disabilities are not entitled to do so and are committing an offence. More importantly, they are preventing a genuine person with disabilities from using that space.

“I strongly encourage everyone who has access to a Blue Badge to bear this in mind, and only to use it when they are legally entitled to do so.”