Son Pleads Guilty To Misusing Disabled Mother’s Blue Badge To Park In Woolwich

by Nancy Weirh | Woolwich

On 18 April 2016 at Bexley Magistrates Court, 28 year old Mohamed Miah of Penrose Street, Walworth, London, SE17, pleaded guilty to misusing his mother’s Blue Badge to park in Woolwich, whilst attending a training course for the company that he was working for.

Royal Borough investigators had seen his car parked on three separate occasions in the same disabled bay displaying his mother’s Blue Badge, issued by Southwark Council, and on the third occasion waited for him to return to his car.

Royal Borough investigators queried why he had parked for three days running in the same place and Mr Miah advised them that he was attending a training course.

He admitted using his mother’s badge but said he thought he could use the badge as his car was registered to transport his mother. Officers did not believe Mr Miah’s story and confiscated the badge and invited him to attend a formal interview under caution.

At his interview he was apologetic and remorseful for his actions and stated that he had never been in trouble before. A decision was made to prosecute Mr Miah and on the 18 April pleaded guilty to one charge under section 117 (1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Mr Miah told the Court that he had taken time to reflect on his actions. In sentencing him, the Court took into account that he had entered an early guilty plea and showed remorse for his actions.

He was fined £350 and ordered to pay a Victim Surcharge of £35 and a contribution towards prosecution costs of £500. He will have to pay £150 within 7 days and then £150 per month until the fines and costs have been fully paid. A Collection Order to ensure payment was granted.

Councillor Maureen O’Mara (top), Cabinet Member for Customer Services at Royal Greenwich said “As part of its on-going commitment to prevent and detect fraud the Royal Borough is taking rigorous action with Blue Badge misuse."

"This is good news for all genuine Blue Badge holders who so often are inconvenienced by other car drivers who take up valuable parking spaces whilst misusing Blue Badges they have no right to use.”

If you suspect someone of committing Blue Badge fraud against the Royal Borough call 0800 169 6975 or email Blue-Badge-Fraud@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

Any information given will be treated in strictest confidence.

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