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As councils across the country step up enforcement, drivers with a Blue Badge are being urged to be aware of the "hidden" parking rules that could land them with a hefty fine. Many people who have held their badge for years are still being caught out by regulations they don't know exist.

The most recent data from the Department for Transport shows that over three million Blue Badges are now held in England, an increase of 228,000 year-on-year, making it more important than ever for holders to use them correctly. Daniel Swain, a second-hand mobility scooter expert from Seacroft Mobility, has highlighted some of the most common mistakes.

A badge is for the holder only

Mr Swain said that you can only display your Blue Badge if the person it was issued to is in the car, either as a driver or a passenger. He warned: "It's a criminal offence to lend it to a family member or friend to do an errand for you."

GOV.UK's Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England page states: "You must use the Blue Badge properly. The badge and its concessions are for your use only.

"It is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse the badge. Doing so could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. Making sure that the scheme is not abused will benefit genuine badge holders, such as yourself.

"If you are using the parking concessions as a passenger, it is your responsibility to make sure that the driver is aware of all the rules set out in this guidance.

"You must never give the badge to friends or family to allow them to have the benefit of the parking concessions. You must never use a copied badge to park or try to change the details on a badge. The badge remains the property of the issuing local council. They can ask for the badge to be returned if it is being misused."

Don't assume free parking

A Blue Badge doesn't always guarantee free parking in a private car park, like at a supermarket or hospital. You must always read the signs there, as you might still have to pay or register your car.

Watch the clock

Even when you can park on a yellow line, there's usually a time limit of three hours. If you don't display your parking clock showing your arrival time, you can be fined.

Daniel Swain said: "It's a really common problem. Most people think their Blue Badge is a licence to park anywhere for free, but that's just not the case.

"Different councils, and even different car parks, have their own rules. A simple mistake could cost you hundreds in fines or, in the worst cases, result in your badge being taken away."

The Blue Badge scheme is administered by local councils, and you should always contact them first for specific information regarding parking rules in your area, GOV.UK explains. You can generally park for free and without time limits at on-street parking meters, pay-and-display machines, and disabled parking bays unless local signage indicates a specific limit. Blue Badge holders must display the Blue Badge.

Blue Badge holders are prohibited from parking on pedestrian crossings, clearways, bus lanes, or where there are loading bans marked by yellow kerb dashes. Special restrictions apply in certain parts of central London, including Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and the City of London, where the standard national concessions do not fully apply. While badge holders can register for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge, they must complete a registration process and pay a small fee first.

The badge gives you certain concessions like parking on yellow lines for up to three hours or using disabled bays, but local restrictions, private car park rules, and time limits still apply. You must always read the signs at your parking location because the rules can vary by street, council, or car park. Misreading or ignoring them can still lead to fines, even if you display your Blue Badge correctly.