HUNDREDS of drivers in Glasgow have been caught exploiting the blue badge scheme.

Parking wardens in the city have confiscated 440 disabled parking badges from motorists who are abusing the system.

And, of those being caught out in fraudulent activity, wardens have also lifted 230 cars.

Elaine McDougall, executive member for Transport, Environment and Sustainability, said: “The figures speak for themselves.

"The blue badge scheme is invaluable for those who have a disability, giving them inclusive access to the city by allowing free, unlimited parking in on-street pay and display parking bays and in dedicated disabled persons’ spaces.

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“Tackling the issue of blue badge misuse results in badge holders being able to access spaces more easily, which is vital as this type of access can greatly impact on their quality of life."

New legislation came into force last year that allows parking attendants to confiscate badges without calling in the police.

Since then, wardens have found hundreds of city motorists either using someone else's badge, using the badge of someone who has died, or using an out of date badge or a fake copy.

Drivers will mobility issues are given a blue badge allowing them to park closer to amenities in town centres.

Badges are issued under the Disabled Person's Parking Badges (Scotland) Act 2014, which came into force last March.

The scheme applies only to on-street parking.

At supermarkets, hospitals and car parks provided by the local authority separate regulations are in force.

Research conducted by Transport Scotland finding that 76 per cent of blue badge holders admitted they would go out less often if they were without their badge.

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In March last year, councils were given powers to confiscate badges if an abuse had been suspected.

If the driver is at the vehicle and a PA finds that the badge is being misused, the traffic warden will issue a Penalty Charge Notice and issue the driver with a confiscation card.

Confiscated badges must be returned to the badge holder within the 14 day timescale.

This is to ensure that badge holders are not disadvantaged by someone else misusing their badge.

Misuse of the blue badge scheme can also lead to a £1,000 fine.

And cars can be impounded due to the driver having not paid for a parking ticket, costing the driver £180 to have their vehicle returned.

Across the city, there are 23,917 blue badge holders.

Ms McDougall added: “The rules on the misuse of blue badges are very clear.

"It is an offence to use a blue badge unless it is for the benefit of the badge holder.

“This new legislation means our parking attendants are dealing with cases of misuse far more effectively.”

Tracking down blue badge abusers also involves the council’s counter fraud unit, which uses information given via the councils’ Whistleblower facility, or intelligence gathered by parking attendants, to tackle the fraudulent misuse of blue badges.