Disabled badge misuse?

[Boofshoes]

I've just had lunch with a friend at a soft play so I was expecting a light afternoon. They confided in me that their partner has started taking their disabled badge and using it without them with them when they are wfh. I told them it's a criminal act and they said they've told them that but can't stop them. Will my friend get in trouble if someone reports it or will just the partner?

But I'm guessing a large financial penalty for her partner may impact on her too?

His brother went to court and the BB was revoked from the holder. Not sure if the holder had to go to court as well.

OP, please listen to what is being written. It truly sounds like you are minimising the criminal complicity your friend has.

She knows the badge is being misused. Therefore it doesn't matter what her partner says, she's liable.

You say there's no active abuse. But there is. It truly seems like your friend is being abused by her partner. He plays on her vulnerable side. That's abuse.

Your last comment makes no sense ?

if she has a motability car then he can use it with no issues

if it’s registered as a disabled car for tax purposes then again it can be used as long as the non disabled person isn’t the main driver

This is what's happening in Edinburgh at the moment.

I'm not minimising or not listening, I'm actively asking questions

The car isn't mobility, no

What don't you understand?

I have a car registered under the disabled tax bracket. I can only use it for things for my benefit.

E.g taking me to an appointment. Or my mum running errands on my behalf.

She can't use it for her own personal benefit or gain.

Not being main driver is irrelevant

I say this because I'm not the main driver, and my car is registered disabled

Yeah, I get that and agree. So does my friend. They have told their partner not to.

My question was would it be the person misusing the badge or the badge holder that gets the criminal offence. That was the reason for the thread, I'm not sure why you think I'm arguing or minimising anything

How is she ‘letting’ him take it? Can’t she remove it from the car when she’s not using it, and hide or lock it away somewhere?

I'm not going to go into their private medical situation but part of it effects memory and the partner generally keeps hold of it

my husband can use my car as long as he doesn’t display a blue badge when he’s doing so.

Lots of people share one family car which is vehicle tax exempt as main driver is disabled and gets mobility PIP - it doesn’t mean the other drivers can’t use it

Your friend would not be prosecuted if she explained that she had told him not to use it but she would have it confiscated and be unlikely to get another. He would face criminal prosecution and a large fine.

I assume for what he/she sees as 'perks' like some LA free parking and what is often more convenient parking in town centres and at supermarkets, medical centres, etc.

If he’s using the badge with her full knowledge (if not consent), and she doesn’t report it, then yes it could well be both of them in trouble. Whether or not the law/their case would be nuanced enough to recognise she was effectively being abused due to her vulnerability, who can say.

Thank you. Part of me thinks it wouldn't be the worse thing in the world if they were prosecuted as it might finally showcase to my friend their level of selfishness and how little they actually care about them

This

How many people are using it?

How about be a little nicer to people. They've got a disability badge for a reason 'FFS'

My friend and partner

If it was me, and I truly couldn't trust my partner with it, I would contact the blue badge department at the council, and request to hand it back.

The partner is truly being an utter utter arse riding roughshod, and she'll be the one without a blue badge anyway if this carries on - this way it's without a fine and the ongoing stress. In essence she is allowing it's misuse by continuing the situation, alternatively can she keep it with a different trusted family member or safe pick up spot?

In an ideal world, I'd love a sting to take place where the partners arse is handed on a plate for exploiting their vulnerable partner.

What does this mean? That she can't physically put the badge in her bag?

Read my posts and you should understand