A WOMAN has been fined for misusing a blue badge.

Sarah Crosskey from Wivenhoe admitted three offences of displaying a badge she was not entitled to use while she was in Hull.

Crosskey, 27, was prosecuted by Hull City Council for using an organisational badge which she did not have authority to use on three occasions in April, May and July.

As well as being issued to individuals with a disability, blue badges can also be given to organisations, such as care homes, for use when carrying residents.

However, Crosskey was spotted by council traffic wardens using the badge in Hull when she was not entitled to do so.

The case followed a crack down by Hull Council after a number of allegations of misuse of blue badges around the city.

Following the court appearance, magistrates told Crosskey it was a serious abuse of privilege.

Crosskey was fined £100 for the first offence and given no separate penalty for the other two counts.

She was also ordered to pay £350 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Councillor Martin Mancey, who is responsible for parking enforcement, said: “The blue badge system provides an essential facility to vulnerable people who require access to disabled parking facilities but the system can work only if it is respected.

“The council will, therefore, take action against the minority of drivers who abuse it, as in this case, to protect the interest of genuine users and the integrity of the system.”