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State pensioners are at risk of being slapped with a £70 fine for making a crucial driving error this spring and summer. Parking in a disabled bay without displaying a valid Blue Badge is against the rules and could see drivers get slapped with penalty notices.

Motorists could be fined around £70 for failing to display their Blue Badge photocard correctly, even if they forgot to do so. More serious breaches, such as deliberately using somebody else's badge or misusing the scheme, can lead to badges being confiscated and heavy fines of up to £1,000.

Holders must display their badge every time they stop in a disabled bay, and will likely be fined if they accidentally forget to pack the item before heading off. Previous Department for Transport data shows that older drivers make up the majority of Blue Badge holders.

Statistics compiled by the agency showed that 10.3% of motorists over 60 hold a Blue Badge, three times more than the 3.1% of road users holding the badge between the ages of 50 and 59.

Lee Cartwright, owner of Mobility Solutions Direct, stressed that even stopping for a few minutes could backfire.

He said: "People often assume it's fine if they're only stopping for a few minutes, especially when the car park is full. But for someone dealing with chronic pain, breathing difficulties or limited mobility, that one space can make all the difference. Without it, the walk from a standard bay can be too much to handle."

"When the weather improves and places get busier, finding accessible parking becomes even more difficult. If disabled bays are already occupied by drivers who shouldn't be using them, it can mean people are forced to turn around and go home.

"It might mean someone having to abandon their plans entirely. A trip to pick up essentials, meet a friend or even just get out of the house becomes a lot harder if the space designed to make that possible has already been taken."

According to the DfT, road users must display the badge where it can be clearly read through the front windscreen. They explained that the front of the badge should face upwards, showing the hologram. DfT bosses stressed that the side showing the photograph should not be visible through the windscreen.

Officials also stressed that motorists must ensure that all the details on the front of the badge remain legible and readable at all times.