Jos Costa, a resident of Exbourne Road, Reading, appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on 17 April 2026 following a crackdown on parking permit misuse. The court heard Costa was charged under Section 115 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 after being caught using a stolen blue badge.
Costa claimed a neighbour provided the permit and that he was unaware it was stolen, though he could not verify its original source. The magistrate ordered Costa to pay a £600 fine, a £240 victim surcharge, and £350 in court costs, totaling £1,190.
Enforcement statistics and financial penalties
Costa’s case is one of 12 brought forward by the local authority last month. Across these 12 cases, offenders were ordered to pay more than £10,000 in combined fines and costs. Since April 2025, enforcement actions have scaled significantly to protect accessible parking for disabled residents.
| Enforcement Metric | Recorded Figures |
|---|---|
| Total individuals prosecuted | 152 |
| Total fines issued | £30,500 |
| Victim surcharges | £11,939 |
| Council costs recovered | £93,955.51 |
Protecting accessible parking in Ealing
Council officers seize misused blue badges monthly as part of an ongoing strategy to deter fraud. Tony Singh, assistant director of sustainable transport, emphasized that the permits are strictly for the person they are issued to or for those transporting them. Using a badge in any other capacity is a criminal offence that can result in prison time for serious cases involving stolen property.
“We will continue to crack down on fraudsters, who deprive disabled people of the support they need and are entitled to,” Singh stated. “The message is clear: if a blue badge has not been issued to you, do not use it. Even if misuse is claimed to be a mistake, it can still result in prosecution.”
Recent changes to permit regulations
Earlier this year, several policy changes were implemented to support legitimate users. Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) permits for blue badge holders now last three years instead of one, and disabled bay permits are now free of charge. These permits allow holders to park near their homes without displaying a physical badge, a move designed to reduce the risk of vehicle break-ins and badge thefts.
Furthermore, application fees have been waived for residents with terminal illnesses to remove financial barriers during difficult circumstances. Residents can verify eligibility or report suspected fraudulent use via the official council portal. Lost or stolen badges should be reported immediately to prevent unauthorized use.
Source: Ealing Council
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