Trafford Council is tightening up on inspecting Blue Badges on parked vehicles around Old Trafford on matchdays.
The campaign follows instances of small numbers of people using badges that were issued to people who had since died, badges that had expired, and badges which were reported as having been lost.
People with disabilities are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge and others can ask the Council for one, for example if they have trouble walking, or have a child with a serious illness. A badge is valid for three years before it must be renewed.
A Blue Badge, which can be issued to both drivers and passengers, allows eligible individuals to park closer to their destination, including in disabled bays, on some yellow lines, and sometimes for free.
Action is part of wider efforts to reduce illegal and inconsiderate parking on matchdays and in general across the borough – and encourage football fans and others to take public transport if possible.
Though the vast majority of Blue Badges issued in Trafford are used correctly, Civil Enforcement Officers are issuing more fixed penalty notices more regularly – meaning those who break the rules can be almost certain to expect a £70 fine.
The wider issue of inconsiderate parking has been leading to increasing instances of blocked emergency routes, traffic congestion, nuisance for residents, damaged kerbs and reduced visibility to people crossing roads.
Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said:
“Our priority is to keep the roads safe for everyone, whatever mode of travel they use to get to the game, or anywhere else.
“Blue Badge misuse is unfair to vulnerable residents and can compromise people’s independence and ability to go about their daily activities.“We want to make sure that places to park for people with disabilities or impairments are available to those with valid Blue Badges, who legitimately need them.”