Young driver news - First time car insurance buyers and forged blue badges

Insurance news - Disabled drivers have new Blue Badge to fight forgeries

All motorists, whether they are seeking first time car insurance or have many years of driving experience, should be aware that without a blue disabled parking badge on display in their vehicle they must not park in a disabled bay.

The badge allows road users with disabilities to park closer to their destination, and gain access to free parking, but reportedly some people are forging Blue Badges in order to receive these parking priorities fraudulently.

Transport Minister Norman Baker states, "Motorists who pretend to be disabled to get some free parking are frankly disgraceful. They prevent real Blue Badge holders from using parking bays designed for those genuinely in need and they cheat the vast majority of road users who play fair when they park their cars."

In order to stop the use of forged disabled parking badges by both experienced and new drivers, Mr Baker has introduced a new badge which is much more difficult to copy. Drivers applying for a badge will now receive an electronically printed pass with a unique hologram, digital photo and serial number.

Mr Baker adds, "Our new Blue Badge will be as secure as a banknote and anyone thinking of faking it can forget it. We are also tightening up on enforcement and eligibility so there will be no way to scam the system."

Buyers of first time car insurance should remember that by parking in a disabled space without a permit, they are not only stopping a person who needs the space from using it but they could receive a fine of up to £1000 for the offence.