Mercedes driver fined for fraudulently using disabled blue badge in Southend

A Southend man has been fined hundreds of pounds after being caught fraudulently using a blue badge that belonged to a local care organisation.

Innocent Kadowonda, 40, of Gordon Road, Southend-on-Sea, was found guilty at Southend Magistrates’ Court on 23 October 2025 of unlawfully using a disabled person’s parking badge and theft.

The court heard the case began on 10 February 2025, when civil enforcement officers spotted a Mercedes parked on double yellow lines outside a restaurant in Southchurch Road. When asked to show proof, the driver produced a blue badge that raised suspicion due to the absence of a photograph. Officers retained the badge on the spot.

Investigations later revealed the badge had been issued to a local care agency, which had reported several badges missing in July 2024. Blue badges issued to organisations caring for disabled people do not carry a photograph but display the organisation’s name – a detail that often makes them a target for misuse.

Kadowonda told officers from Southend City Council’s Counter Fraud and Investigation Team (CFIT) that he had found the badge in a car park and planned to return it. However, he did not fully answer further questions during the interview.

Magistrates acknowledged his remorse but highlighted that his actions deprived legitimate users of vital access.

Kadowonda was fined £153 and ordered to pay a £61 victim surcharge along with £500 in council costs.

Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: “This prosecution demonstrates our determination to protect the integrity of the blue badge scheme, and we will continue to crack down on this disgraceful behaviour. Misuse undermines support for those who genuinely need it and affects our community’s resources. Anyone who attempts to exploit the system can expect action from us.”

The council said the case reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the blue badge system and ensuring that support reaches those with genuine mobility needs.

Blue badge rules and background

The blue badge scheme is a national initiative that allows disabled people with severe mobility issues to park closer to their destinations. In Southend and across the UK, badge holders can:

• Park free of charge in pay and display bays and on-street parking spaces, unless signs indicate otherwise.
• Park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, provided they are not causing an obstruction or parked where restrictions apply.
• Use dedicated disabled bays in car parks or on-street spaces.

However, using someone else’s badge without them present, or using a lost or stolen badge, is a criminal offence under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. Councils have powers to seize badges suspected of being misused and can prosecute offenders.

Southend City Council urges anyone who suspects blue badge fraud or other council-related offences to report them confidentially to the Counter Fraud and Investigation Team on 01702 215254 or via: CounterFraud@southend.gov.uk