Cork gardaí seize six blue badges for improper use

Six blue badges were seized yesterday morning for improper use during Operation Enable which was an organised crackdown on the use of the permits in Cork City.

The operation, which ran for four hours, between 8am -12pm, yesterday also caught 14 vehicles illegally parked in disabled parking places.

All of these individuals, both found improperly using blue badges or parking, will now face prosecution for their offence.

The crackdown was a multi-agency initiative between An Garda Síochána, Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association.

The operation had two main objectives, one to remind motorists of the need to respect the disabled parking bays in Cork City and also to remind disabled parking permit holders of the need to respect the conditions attached to the permits.

Head of the Divisional Cork City Traffic Corps, Inspector Finbarr O’Sullivan said; “We are urging motorists not to block access to disabled bays as these parking spaces are an essential lifeline for motorists with disabilities.

“Misuse of these parking bays are causing genuine difficulties, distress and in some cases misery for disabled drivers.” Insp O’Sullivan said the Gardaí would be targeting areas around the Cork City centre on a regular basis and asked the public to report any incident or offences that they might see.

“We are urging all motorists to respect these parking bays and show greater consideration for disabled drivers. Furthermore, we are asking the public to report to any Garda Station or member incidents where they know or observe any of these offences.

“Disabled drivers have motoring vulnerabilities which impact on their daily lives & we are seeking the public’s support to this campaign and show respect and consideration for this issue.” The offence of illegally parking in a disabled bay results in a fixed charge notice for €80. This charge rises to €120 if not paid within 28 days.

If still unpaid after 56 days a summons to court is issued with a possible fine of up to €1000 upon conviction.

The offence of forging or fraudulently altering any permit, or fraudulently lending or allowing a permit to be used by another person other than the holder is subject to a maximum fine of €2000 and/or three months imprisonment.