Two drivers were prosecuted as part of a crackdown on Blue Badge fraudsters.

Saleem Nasir was fined £130 and Shonali Mathur was forced to pay £180, both for the wrongful use of a disabled person’s badge. The pair pleaded guilty at St Albans Magistrates' Court on August 10.

Mr Nasir, of Boundary Way, admitted to using his son’s badge to park in Watford High Street so he could go to the bank. And Mrs Mathur, of Colne Way, used her husband’s permit to park in the same road to collect medication for him.

The criminals had their permits removed in what Hertfordshire Constabulary and Watford Borough Council are calling Operation Blue Badge.

The Watford Observer reported that over the last five years, eight Blue Badge spaces have been removed from the town centre.

John Bacon, 78, said the town centre had become less accessible for disabled and elderly people. 

A blue badge allows disabled people to park nearer their destination on single and double yellow lines, and in certain pay and display bays without charge. It can be used if the disabled person is a driver or passenger in the vehicle, or by someone dropping off or collecting the disabled person.

It is a criminal offence to use the badge in any other circumstances.

Elected mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “We take Blue Badge fraud very seriously. These badges are an important tool for the disabled and should not be misused under any circumstance.

“Our fraud officers do watch out for this, so don’t risk months of worry and a fine to save five minutes of your time and a small parking fee.”

Saleem Nasir was fined £50 and ordered to pay £60 costs and a £20 victim surcharge, while Shonali Mathur faced a £100 fine, £60 costs and £20 victim surcharge.