Amnesty launched to combat bus pass, blue badge and permit fraud

We’re launching an amnesty today for people to hand in concessionary bus passes, blue badges, or parking permits that are being used fraudulently.

As part of our work to tackle fraud in the city, we want to give people the opportunity to hand in any passes, badges or permits they shouldn’t be using, no questions asked.

Anyone with a bus pass, blue badge or parking permit that is out of date or is being used incorrectly can hand it over at one of the following locations:

• Hove Town Hall letterbox
• Brighton Town Hall letterbox

The amnesty will run throughout July and August.

Tackling fraud

Concessionary bus passes for older and disabled people are a lifeline for thousands of people in Brighton & Hove, connecting them with friends and family, shops and vital services like hospitals and GP surgeries.

Blue badges also ensure people with mobility issues or other disabilities can better access the city.

There are over 42,000 concessionary bus pass holders in Brighton & Hove, including 7,000 passes issued to qualifying disabled residents. However, we know some people use these passes, permits and blue badges who shouldn’t be.

Brighton & Hove City Council has a dedicated Fraud Team within the Parking service to investigate and address fraud and misuse involving blue badges, concessionary travel passes, parking permits and car parks.

In 2023-24, enforcement and investigation officers carried out monthly joint action days with Sussex Police as part of Operation Bluebird. During this period:

• 279 blue badges were retained by officers due to misuse.
• 197 community resolution orders were completed.
• 56 prosecutions were issued for fraudulent use of a blue badge.

Supporting our city

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “Concessionary bus passes and blue badges are vital in helping vulnerable people travel and get around the city, but it’s important they’re only used by the people who need them.

“The amnesty is a way of giving people the chance to hand in those old passes, badges and permits that aren’t being used as intended, no questions asked.

“This type of fraud is not a victimless crime. It has a real impact on people who need them the most to get around Brighton & Hove. I’d urge anyone with a pass, badge or permit they shouldn’t have to hand it in or simply destroy it themselves.

“I’d like to thank people for their support and cooperation in making travelling around the city fairer and easier.”