Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A St Clears man has been prosecuted for forging a Blue Badge to allow him privileges only reserved for drivers with severely restricted mobility. Cledan David, aged 54, of Salem Road, pleaded guilty to the offence, contrary to s.115(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, at Carmarthen Court. He was ordered to pay a fine of £500, with £54 costs and a £50 victim surcharge. It is the first time Carmarthenshire County Council has successfully prosecuted for Blue Badge fraud. Cllr Colin Evans, Executive Board Member for Transport, said: “Blue Badges are an important parking concession for disabled people that helps to improve their quality of life - any abuse of that privilege is taken very seriously. This is the first time we have prosecuted someone for forging a Blue Badge, but it sends a clear message that such fraud is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.” Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the maximum fine for misusing a Blue Badge is £5,000 or two years imprisonment.

People eligible for a Blue Badge will no longer have to pay, under new rules which take effect on April 1. A new Blue Badge is being launched as part of the Welsh Government’s ‘A Modern Blue Badge for Wales Action Plan’. The badges have been redesigned to make them harder to tamper with, copy or forge, making it easier for genuinely disabled people who rely on the Blue Badge scheme to find accessible parking spaces. The changes will also speed up the time it takes to renew Blue Badges, with a new service allowing people to apply for, or renew, a badge online via Directgov. Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, Bruce McLernon, said: “We have approximately 16,500 Blue Badge holders in Carmarthenshire, and this new improved service will mean that they will no longer have to pay for their badges. Applicants can also be assured that the new badges, which are made of plastic instead of cardboard, will be harder for criminals to forge as they will be more robust. “Hopefully this w...

Carmarthenshire chiefs have hit back at claims that new parking charges will penalise disabled drivers in the county. They have defended plans to equalise charges for Blue Badge holders in Carmarthenshire car parks. The move is being looked at in a bid to make parking charges fairer for all, including families and those on low income. Officers say that mobility allowances are provided to help many disabled drivers cover parking charges, and the cost of parking in Carmarthenshire is already low compared with other areas. The county council has carried out research into parking charges across the country and other councils already charge, or are proposing similar changes. Staff say the move will also help to raise much needed income to maintain the county’s car parks, and keep them safe and secure, as well as helping to protect other key services during tough financial times. The proposal will be discussed by the authority’s Executive Board on Monday. Transport Executive Board Member cll...