Just Eat driver convicted of blue badge fraud in Southend

Andrzej Kacica of Wesley Road, Southend, was charged with unlawfully using a blue badge on Wednesday at Basildon Magistrates' Court.

A civil enforcement officer saw the 51-year-old park his car on double yellow lines while displaying a blue badge in Leather Lane, in the city centre on March 30 last year.

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When he returned to the vehicle he was carrying a Just Eat bag. The officer inspected the blue badge and Kacica admitted that it was his son’s badge but claimed to be collecting food for his son.

Southend Council’s counter fraud and investigation team interviewed Mr Kacica, who denied that he was working as a delivery driver at the time of the offence and re-stated that he was collecting food for his son.

Information later provided by Just Eat proved Kacica was delivering food at the time of the offence.

He admitted the offence at Basildon Magistrates Court and was fined £60 and ordered to pay £800 in costs. 

Kevin Buck, Conservative councillor responsible for highways, transport and parking, said: “We wholly support the use of blue badges, but this sort of activity undermines a scheme aimed at assisting those that need it.

“We also have a duty to protect and act against those who fraudulently misuse these badges.”

Anyone who has suspicions concerning similar blue badge misuse, or other types of fraud against the council, should call the counter fraud and investigation team on 01702 215254 or e-mail counterfraud@southend.gov.uk.