CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a crackdown on people illegally using Blue Badges for disabled drivers.

The operation, which was launched by Hampshire County Council in October to tackle misuse and fraud in disabled parking bays, revealed that 28 out of 100 badges were being misused The infringements recorded in Andover, Winchester and Eastleigh included people using someone else’s or a dead person’s badge, and the use of badges that had expired.

Investigator Steven Hewett said the most common excuse from the illegal users was that they were “picking up stuff for the badge holder”.

Offenders ranged in age from mid-20s to 70 and from across the social spectrum.

Those caught received penalty charge notices, had badges confiscated and were given formal warnings.

Serial offenders can save thousands of pounds a year by avoiding normal charges.

Disabled Motoring UK backed the crackdown. Helen Dolphin, director of policy and campaigns, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Hampshire is tackling Blue Badge abuse so successfully.

“Unfortunately, abuse of this scheme is seen by many as a victimless crime and many authorities just sweep it under the carpet.

“However, when you have a disability which means you can only walk a very short distance, being able to park close to where you need to go is essential.”

The county council has revealed that it is using new powers to target the fraud and is working with other councils that have responsibility for parking enforcement.

Council leader Councillor Roy Perry said: “It is shocking to find out the lengths to which some people will go, for just a few hours of free parking – including using a deceased person’s Blue Badge.”

He added: “We are determined to protect the quality of life for our vulnerable residents.”