Holograms to hit badge fraudsters
publication date: Sep 13, 2007
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author/source: Robin Roberts
The Blue Badge scheme is going high tech with a hologram to beat fraudsters.
The distinctive badges allow privileged parking for disabled users and there is a growing black market in stolen or duplicated badges. There are reports of them changing hands for hundreds of pounds and 6,000 were stolen in 2004 alone.
In a month’s time the scheme will change and new badges will incorporate a hologram to beat the fraudsters. It is a criminal offence to counterfeit the badge and the new design will make it harder to copy.
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said the changes begin on 15 October but would also extend to more people, including vehicles used by children under two and for those with severe disabilities which prevent using a parking meter.
Rosie Winterton said, "The Blue Badge Scheme gives many disabled people the freedom to get to work, do their shopping and access vital services.
"We listened to what people told us during our recent consultation and as a result are including children who suffer from hip dysplasia in the new under-twos category. I hope this will help ease some of the difficulties the families of these children face.
"In addition, a strategic review of the Blue Badge Scheme is being carried out and will report to me later this month. This will lead to the publication of a comprehensive reform strategy by April 2008 which will help us continue to improve the scheme, making it fairer, more consistently administered and easier to understand."
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