EIGHT motorists had blue badges confiscated during a Wyre Forest crackdown on misuse of the scheme.

Civil enforcement officers from Wyre Forest District Council completed a week-long operation targeting people who were misusing blue badge permits.

And out of the 121 badges inspected in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, eight were found to be misused.

They were confiscated and returned to Worcestershire County Council, which administers the scheme. Investigations into each case are now underway.

As the investigations are underway, the council was unable to go into any specifics as to how the eight badges were being misused.

But in historical cases, officers have found people using a deceased relative’s badge or permit holders not being in the vehicle when it was being used.

In addition to the eight badges confiscated, officers spoke to another 17 permit holders to offer advice on how they should be legally displayed.

Cabinet Member for Operational Services Councillor Rebecca Vale said: “The blue badge scheme is designed to give people with genuine disabilities easy access to shops, services and town centres.

“Clearly the majority of permit holders in Wyre Forest are using the scheme properly. Our annual campaign serves as a timely reminder that we will take action if we do spot people using permits fraudulently.

“Blue badge misuse is a serious offence which can result in a maximum fine of £1,000, as well as withdrawal of the badge.

“It is important that disabled parking spaces are reserved for those who genuinely need them most.”