Manchester United fans have been slammed after it was revealed they have been using 'dead' residents Blue Badges to park illegally on matchdays.
Trafford Council has waged war on a "small number" of Red Devils supporters who have been using the permits to park closure to Old Trafford. They said some fans are displaying badges "that were issued to people who had since died, badges that had expired, and badges which were reported as having been lost".
In response officials say they will be "tightening up" on inspecting the vehicles on game days. Blue Badges are handed to people with disabilities by councils allowing them to park closer to their destination, including in disabled bays, on some yellow lines, and sometimes for free.
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A badge is valid for three years before it must be renewed. According to the government website, the permit allows Badge holders to park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours.
Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said: “Our priority is to keep the roads safe for everyone, whatever mode of travel they use to get to the game, or anywhere else.
Trafford Council has claimed some football fans are using Blue Badges illegally for matchday parkingplaceholder image
Trafford Council has claimed some football fans are using Blue Badges illegally for matchday parking | Trafford Council/LDRS
“Blue Badge misuse is unfair to vulnerable residents and can compromise people’s independence and ability to go about their daily activities. We want to make sure that places to park for people with disabilities or impairments are available to those with valid Blue Badges, who legitimately need them.”
The council say the vast majority of Blue Badges issued in Trafford are used correctly. Though Civil Enforcement Officers are issuing more fixed penalty notices more regularly – meaning those who break the rules can be almost certain to expect a £70 fine.
Officials have said it forms as part of a wider issue of inconsiderate parking which has been leading to increasing instances of blocked emergency routes. It has also been causing "traffic congestion, nuisance for residents, damaged kerbs and reduced visibility to people crossing roads".
The council have encouraged football fans and others to take public transport "if possible" to "reduce illegal and inconsiderate parking".
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