Together We Outsmart the Thieves (Essential Tips for Protecting Your Blue Badge)

BLUE BADGE

Together We Outsmart the Thieves

Essential Tips for Protecting Your Blue Badge

The theft of Blue Badges is a significant problem in the UK, as they can be sold on the black market for hundreds of pounds. 

This can lead to the owner being without their essential parking concessions for weeks while waiting for a replacement and also facing the cost of repairing a smashed car window.

Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid Blue Badge theft:

1. Don't Leave it on Display When Not Needed.

This is the most crucial and simple step. When you are parked in a private car park, a driveway, or any location where the Blue Badge concessions don't apply, take the badge with you. Keep it in a bag or the glove compartment. An opportunist thief will break a window to get a badge if they see it.

2. Use a Lockable Blue Badge Protector.

3. A visible and secure deterrent is a highly effective way to prevent theft. Some examples could be a metal or hard plastic sleeve, a steel cable or lock, or some kind of visible deterrent: 

4. Improve Your Car's Security.

 * Park in a secure, well-lit area: Parking on a busy street or in a garage can deter thieves.

 * Consider Installing a car alarm.

 * Consider a DASH CAM with a parking MODE. 

5. Digital Blue Badge/virtual/paperless

A "digital Blue Badge" is not a physical badge that you carry, but rather a digital record or permit that is linked to your physical Blue Badge. This means there's no physical card to display, and the badge is linked to the vehicle registration. They have been implemented for Blue Badge holders to help prevent theft and simplify parking. Some councils may have also partnered with the PayByPhone system to offer a digital solution for Blue Badge holders in pay-and-display bays.

​This helps prevent the misuse of physical Blue Badges and provides a convenient way for disabled drivers to pay for and manage their parking sessions without needing to display a physical ticket. But it might be limited to local area usage.

Contact your local Council to inquire if they offer a Digital/virtual/paperless blue badge.

What to Do If Your Blue Badge is Stolen

Immediately report to the authorities, it is essential to act quickly to get a replacement and prevent it from being misused.