A RECENT report states that half the disabled blue badges in use are illegal.

Last Saturday as a genuine blue badge holder I could not find anywhere to park.

I went to the causeway where there are six disabled bays. I noticed that a young lady in her early thirties was parked in one. She parked up her 4x4 and then ran.

I waited for a space and finally a lady came with her two children carrying three bags of shopping, all looked in good health. They drove off and I finally parked after waiting 20 minutes. I also know a neighbour who always uses her mother's badge illegally.

From September this year police officers, community officers and parking enforcement officers can challenge people who use blue badges and can prosecute those who use them illegally. They can also seize the badges.

Genuine badge holders should welcome this measure. I urge the police and relevant enforcement staff to crack down on these anti-social people. I will and urge other blue badge holders to report anyone they suspect of using the badges illegally to the relevant authorities.

Then perhaps the real sick and disabled will be able to park near the local facilities which were what this excellent scheme was brought in for. Not for the idle, anti social people.

Name and address supplied