A BILL has been launched to crackdown on people who abuse Blue Badge disabled parking permits.

It will allow councils to cancel badges reported lost or stolen and confiscate those that have been misused.

SNP MSP Denis Robertson, who is registered blind, has published the Disabled Persons Parking Badges Bill, which is backed by disabled campaign groups and the Scottish Government, making it likely it will come into law.

The Bill also has provision for a review if someone is refused a permit on eligibility grounds.

Transport Scotland research has shown that a large majority of Blue Badge holders have experienced someone abusing the badge system, or using disabled parking spaces when not eligible.

A survey found 83% had at least one experience with 52% regularly witnessing misuse.

Earlier this year Glasgow City Council was criticised by a watchdog for not checking and cancelling the badges of people who had died, as some were being abused by relatives.

Mr Robertson said: "Blue Badge misuse is socially unacceptable.

"Tackling misuse will help disabled badge holders access services in the community and lead independent lives.

"I fully support the recent reforms to the blue badge scheme and my proposals outlined here today will help to build on these."

Transport Minister Keith Brown backed the Bill and said it will help ensure the scheme benefits only those who are entitled.

He said: "The Scottish Government supports Dennis Robertson's Bill.

"It makes sense to confiscate badges that are not valid or are being used illegally.

"The proposals should reduce misuse and help disabled people access the parking to which they are entitled.

"The changes will ensure that the scheme is only benefitting those it was intended to help."

Campaigners said the public need to be made aware of the rules and how genuinely disabled people are affected by people abusing the Blue Badge system.

Anne MacLean, Convener of Mobility Access Committee for Scotland, said: "The Blue Badge is an essential service for disabled people and the power to confiscate will be a crucial tool to tackle abuse and protect the parking rights of badge holders.

"People should be more aware of the rules and the impact of the misuse for disabled people.

"Blue Badges should only be used by those people who have been awarded a badge and have a right to the parking concessions."

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk