An unprecedented rise in people using the Blue Badges of those who have died has seen relatives claim they were parking with the permit for ‘sentimental reasons’ and belief they had ‘inherited the badge’.
This sharp increase has led to more than 77 cases of people being caught misusing the deceased’s parking permits in Nottingham since the start of 2025.
In 2024, there were 53 cases of misuse of deceased badges, which have been cancelled since the holder’s death.
Yet with four months to go until the end of the year, there have already been 24 more cases reported by the city council.
In some of the cases, explanations from drivers were ‘I thought I could use it because it was still in date’ and ‘I used it for sentimental reasons’.
While others said, ‘I need my own badge, so I thought I’d use this one until I sort out mine’, as another believed that they had ‘inherited the badge with the car’.
One claimed that ‘nobody told me I couldn’t’, with other excuses including ‘it was only for seven minutes’ and ‘it was early and there were loads of spaces, so I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong’.
Since the start of 2025, more than 500 cases of Blue Badge misuse have been identified.
This could be for a myriad of reasons aside from using the deceased badges, including fake badges, stolen badges, expired badges, or the use of that badge has been revoked.
Marcus Hall, a parking compliance officer for Nottingham City Council, has been working in parking since 2001 and has been with the council since 2004.
He said: ‘You used to have to make your own badges back in the day.
‘Now it’s been centralised by the Department for Transport, which has made enforcement much easier.
‘Deceased badges have gone up; we have 35 out of 100 open cases for them, but stolen and fake badges have also gone up.’
He said some people bought the badges on social media – in spots like Facebook Marketplace.
Mr Hall continued: ‘The vast majority of them are stolen from London, because they don’t have different rules there.
‘The fake ones, people are making them, and they are getting better, but they are still rubbish.
‘It’s not just the use of it that is taking space away from a space user; it’s taking money away from the public purse. Our main focus is on people taking that space away.
‘The vast majority of misuse cases are disabled spaces in the city.’
Being caught using a cancelled badge could result in Penalty Charge Notice issues, potential vehicle removal, and legal action.
In some recent prosecutions, fines of over £1,500 were issued.
A recent case, in March 2025, a Ford Fiesta was found displaying a badge that had been cancelled over two years ago, after the death of an 80-year-old Nottingham resident.
The driver was the deceased’s son, and after being caught, he described his actions as ‘selfish and stupid’.
Councillor Linda Woodings, executive member for regional development, growth and transport at Nottingham City Council, said: ‘Our message is simple – if you misuse or abuse a Blue Badge in Nottingham, you will be caught and face legal consequences.
‘The council is absolutely committed to protecting this vital scheme, which supports people with genuine mobility needs. Fraudulent use is not only illegal, but selfish and unfair.
‘It directly undermines the whole purpose of the scheme, which is to support people with significant mobility impairments.
‘When badges are used fraudulently or by those not entitled, it reduces the availability of accessible parking spaces for those who genuinely need them.
‘This can lead to increased stress, reduced independence and missed appointments or opportunities for disabled people.
‘Ensuring the integrity of the scheme is therefore not only a matter of enforcement but also of equity, accessibility and dignity for legitimate badge holders.
‘We make no apology for holding those to account who misuse Blue Badges in our city.’
