The Real Cost of Fraud: Inside the Case Where Magistrates Fine Two Drivers Who Misused Others’ Blue Badges

It’s one of those things that really gets your goat, isn’t it? Seeing a prime parking spot taken by someone who doesn’t seem to need it. But when that spot is a dedicated bay for a disabled person, and the driver is using a Blue Badge that isn’t theirs, it’s more than just annoying – it’s illegal. Two drivers in York have just found this out the hard way, after York Magistrates handed them a combined fine of over £2,000 for misusing other people's Blue Badges. It’s a stark reminder that these badges are a lifeline, not a convenience, and the City of York Council is taking a firm stance against anyone committing this type of fraud.

The story of two costly parking mistakes

So, what actually happened? Let's look at the two cases that ended up in court. The first involves a student in York who was found using a stolen Blue Badge. On Thursday 5 February 2026, Ela Guneri, a 20-year-old from Bedford, was ordered to pay a hefty £856.70. Her vehicle was spotted back on 23 May 2025, during a 'Parking Day of Action' organised by Veritau, the team that handles the council's investigation work. The car was parked in a dedicated spot in Castle Car Park, and a check on the badge quickly revealed it had been reported stolen in Bedford back in 2024. This discovery kicked off a full investigation by the counter fraud team.

The investigation confirmed the badge was indeed stolen property, originally issued by Bedford Borough Council. When interviewed, Miss Guneri claimed she had found the discarded badge in York. Her explanation was that she was displaying it on her dashboard in the hope that the real owner might see it and claim it back. The magistrates didn't quite see it that way. The investigation had found that the badge had been misused on other occasions too. She pleaded guilty by post for the wrongful use of a disabled person's badge and was given a significant fine for her actions.

In a separate case of Blue Badge fraud, Sara Knaggs, a 49-year-old from York, was found guilty by magistrates on Thursday 11 December 2025. Her vehicle was spotted by a council officer on 15 April 2025, parked on a single yellow line on Stonebow, displaying a relative's Blue Badge. The counter fraud team checked the details and couldn't confirm where the actual badge holder was. When Ms Knaggs returned to her vehicle, things apparently got a bit heated. She allegedly used abusive language towards the parking officer, insisted it was her badge, and drove away. During a later interview, she admitted she had dropped her relative off in town before going to park and visit a shop. Ms Knaggs then failed to show up for her court date, where she was found guilty of the fraudulent use of a badge and ordered to pay a fine totalling more than £1,100.

Why misusing a blue badge is a serious issue

It's easy to see a Blue Badge and just think "good parking," but that completely misses the point. These badges are incredibly important for helping disabled people maintain their independence. For many, a trip to the shops or a doctor's appointment would be impossible without being able to park close by. When drivers misuse these badges, they're not just nipping into a convenient space; they're taking away a vital lifeline from someone who genuinely needs it. They are occupying dedicated parking spots meant for people who often have no other option.

Councillor Katie Lomas, who oversees the counter fraud portfolio at City of York Council, put it perfectly: “Fraudulent use of Blue Badges undermines this important scheme which helps enable disabled people to travel and supports their independence.”

It’s a simple rule that many people seem to forget or ignore. The councillor added:

“A Blue Badge is issued to a person, not a vehicle. It can only be used when that person is in the car, being picked up or dropped off. Badge misuse is unlawful as it obstructs dedicated parking and unfairly disadvantages disabled people. Although rates of fraudulent use are low, we are committed to tackling it by regularly checking badges and taking action against offenders.”

This means you can't just 'borrow' your nan's badge to go and do the weekly shop for her if she's sat at home. She has to be with you in the vehicle. It's a clear-cut rule, and breaking it constitutes fraud.

The council is cracking down on fraud

These two court cases are not isolated incidents. The City of York Council is actively working to stamp out this selfish behaviour. On 11 December 2025, another Parking Day of Action saw officers check 123 badges across various locations in York. That one day alone resulted in two more potential instances of misuse being flagged for investigation. This proactive approach shows the council is serious about tackling the problem.

The numbers speak for themselves. Since 2020, the council's teams have carried out 128 investigations into Blue Badge misuse. Out of these, fraud was identified in a staggering 91 cases, leading to nine people being prosecuted. This isn't a minor issue; it's a persistent problem that the authorities are determined to stop. The fine handed down by the magistrates in these recent cases should serve as a powerful deterrent to other drivers thinking of misusing a badge. The message is clear: if you use a badge fraudulently, you will be found, and you will be penalised. The council and its counter fraud partners are watching.

What to do if you suspect blue badge fraud

Fighting this kind of fraud is a community effort. The council's officers can't be everywhere at once, which is why tip-offs from the public are so important. If you see a vehicle parked in a disabled bay and suspect the driver is misusing a Blue Badge, you can report it. For instance, if you regularly see the same car using a badge but never see the disabled person the badge is for, it might be worth flagging.

The council has made it easy and confidential to report suspicious activity. People with information can help the next investigation and ensure dedicated parking is available for those who need it.

You can report suspected fraudulent activity in two ways:

• Phone the anonymous fraud hotline on 0800 9179 247.

• Send an email to fraud@york.gov.uk.

By reporting misuse, you are helping to protect an essential service for disabled people in York and ensuring that the Blue Badge scheme works as it's supposed to. So next time you're tempted to park where you shouldn't, or you see someone else doing it, remember the hefty price these two drivers had to pay. It’s just not worth it.