Blue Badge Holders Urge Tougher Penalties for Misuse

Blue Badge Holders Demand Crackdown on Misuse of Disabled Parking in Jersey

Disabled drivers in Jersey are calling for tougher penalties and easier ways to report abuse of disabled parking bays, following the results of a new government survey.

The study, which focused on blue badge holders, found that 57% had witnessed non-disabled people using disabled spaces five times or more in the past year. Many respondents also called for clearer road markings, stronger enforcement, and the power to directly report misuse.

Other findings included:

• 61% said better signage would help curb abuse

• 41% wanted changes to the way bays are policed

• 34% called for harsher penalties

• 87% agreed reporting mechanisms were vital

• The hospital (33%) and Broad Street (28%) were highlighted as areas in need of more spaces

The survey was launched after discussions with badge holders last year, with Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan approving the consultation to better understand their needs.

Jehan said the government had already introduced new initiatives, including painted blue bays—which he said had reduced misuse—and 18 additional spaces across St Helier. He also stressed the importance of public vigilance: “People have blue badges for a reason, and we want to make sure they can access those spaces. We encourage people to call us if they see abuse happening.”

Disability rights campaigner and former deputy Jacqueline Hilton-Egre welcomed the survey, saying it confirmed that abuse remained an issue despite recent improvements. “The survey shows quite clearly there is still more to be done,” she said. “I believe the minister will commit to that work.”

She also repeated her long-standing call for disabled bays to be reinstated on Broad Street, saying the results backed up her argument. “We have the post office, the banks, and M&S there—it’s a vital area for badge holders.”

While fines for abusing disabled bays are already higher than for other parking offences, Jehan did not rule out introducing even tougher punishments.

The government is also considering new ways to allow the public to report misuse, beyond the existing system run by parking control.