A TAXI driver who ignored previous warnings about misusing a Blue Disability Badge has been fined £300 plus costs at Southend Magistrates’ court.

Ali Aqdus, 29, of Ramuz Drive, Westcliff, pleaded guilty to offences contrary to Section 117(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Aqdus was caught misusing his disabled partner’s Blue Disability Badge by a Civil Enforcement Officer on May 5.

He had parked his vehicle on double yellow lines outside a fast food takeaway shop in Southchurch Road, Southend, having placed the badge on the dashboard.

The incident was referred to Southend Council’s Counter Fraud and Investigation team, where it was discovered it was not the first time Aqdus had been caught misusing his partner’s Blue Disability Badge.

There had been an incident four months previously in which he had received a warning for unlawfully using the same badge.

Councillor for Community and Corporate Support, Andrew Moring, said: “We are fully committed to assisting those entitled to Blue Badges.

“But we also have a duty to protect, and take action against, the dishonest misuse of such badges.

“Where we have the evidence, we will do exactly that.

“In this case, we had warned Mr Aqdus following a similar incident only four months earlier but it is clear he didn’t heed that warning.

“If anyone has suspicions concerning similar Blue Badge misuse, or other types of Corporate fraud then please call the Counter-Fraud and Investigation Directorate direct on 0300 999 111 or e-mail counterfraud@southend.gov.uk. All information received about the misuse of Blue Badges is treated in the strictest confidence.”

The news comes after free parking for all blue badge holders from outside the borough was scrapped by local councils at the beginning of April this year.

The Echo revealed last month that blue badge holders now need to pay to use disabled bays, unless their permits had been obtained from the local authority.

At the time a Southend Council spokesman said: “We have historically offered free parking in our car parks for all Blue Badge holders.

“However, we have now decided to change this to be applicable only to those who have their badge issued by Southend Council. Blue Badge holders from outside of the borough are still able to park for free in one of our many on-street parking bays.”

Last year the Echo revealed the number of people caught abusing the blue badge scheme had trebled when compared to the previous three years, but the council has made it clear it will not tolerate misuse.