A BLUE Badge amnesty has been launched by Hillingdon Council to reduce incidents of disabled parking permit fraud.   

The amnesty, from November 18 to December 2 is an opportunity for residents to hand in badges to which they are not entitled without any questions.  

More than 14,000 residents have Blue Badges issued by the council. The service is highly valued by people with disabilities and serious health conditions who struggle with mobility.   

Residents can return Blue Badges that have expired, belong to another person or are no longer necessary to collection boxes in the reception areas at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, Botwell Green Library in Hayes and Northwood Hills Library. 

As part of Fraud Awareness Week (November 17-23) the council is also raising awareness of common types of fraud, how it’s tackling them and how residents can play their part in reporting deception.  

Its counter fraud team has prevented the loss of more than £5.8m so far this financial year.  

Cllr Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, said: “Blue Badges help people with disabilities and health conditions park closer to their destination.

“Sadly, they can be abused, which is unfair on those that rely on the exemptions and dedicated parking spaces.  

“We have prosecuted 11 people for Blue Badge fraud in the past year, with each receiving a fine, and we are giving people who may be misusing them this opportunity to return them with no questions asked.” 

If you suspect that someone is committing fraud against the council, you can report it in confidence at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/reportfraud or by calling 0800 389 8313.