Tough new measures will be introduced in the New Year to crack down on drivers who abuse the disabled parking system. This will include a new Blue Badge design which is harder to forge this new badge will have security features such as a unique hologram and a digital photo and serial number which will allow parking attendants to check for genuine badges more easily through the windscreen.

Transport Minister, Norman Baker, said “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. 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.”

Other measures to be enforced include shared administration between authorities resulting in faster renewals, less abuse and operational efficiency savings of up to £20 million a year plus improved customer service for badge holders, including being able to apply for and renew badges online using Directgov, as well as access to a new national helpline number and from April 2012 customers will also be able to report lost and stolen badges online.